Davangere: More than 7.5 lakh bogus ration cards have been identified and cancelled by officials, said Minister for Food and Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs U.T. Khader.

Speaking after hearing public grievances at the Deputy Commissioner’s office on Tuesday, Khader informed that stringent measures have been taken to identify and cancel bogus ration cards in the State. He also stated that the government has announced a cash prize of Rs. 400 per card to those who identify bogus cards and get them cancelled.

“It is very difficult to identify and initiate action against the government officials and department staff involved in issuing bogus cards. But efforts are being made to bring in more transparency in the functioning of the department,” said Khader.

He further said that it’s the duty of the officers of the department to ensure that the franchisees do not collect money for providing token to beneficiaries. Strict action would be taken against officers who fail to action against such franchisees, added Khader.

With conditions for applying for new ration cards being liberalized, the new applicants have to provide only Aadhaar card to acquire a new ration card.