The government is set to implement a major new initiative aimed at increasing transparency and preventing corruption at ration depots. Under this new rule, CCTV cameras will be installed at all ration shops, also known as ration depots, across the country to monitor the distribution process. This step is considered a significant move to ensure that beneficiaries receive their entitled food grains without any malpractice from dealers.
Centralized Monitoring to End Corruption
A primary issue this initiative addresses is the misconduct by some ration depot holders, who may misbehave with beneficiaries, provide less than the allocated amount of ration, or engage in other corrupt practices. The newly installed CCTV cameras will be centralized, with the live feed being monitored directly from Delhi and the respective state capital’s Food and Supply Department.
Officials will review the data and footage every month. This system will make it difficult for any depot holder to steal or misappropriate ration supplies, as their activities will be under constant surveillance.
How the New System Works
To ensure proper implementation, ration dealers will be required to inform the department of the specific days they will be distributing rations. On these days, government employees will monitor the CCTV feed from their offices at least five times a day to verify that the distribution is proceeding smoothly and fairly.
This measure enhances the existing system of biometric authentication. While the Aadhaar-linked biometric system has been a positive step, some dealers found ways to bypass it, such as collecting fingerprints from beneficiaries’ homes without providing the full ration. The addition of CCTV surveillance will close this loophole.
Haryana Launches Pilot Project
The central government has selected Haryana as the first state to implement this system as a pilot project. The state has already announced that ration will now be distributed under CCTV surveillance. Rajesh Nagar, the Haryana Minister of State for Food and Supplies, confirmed this after a departmental meeting. The goal in Haryana is to significantly reduce theft and address the numerous complaints from citizens about not receiving their ration.
New Timings and Rules for Ration Depots
Along with the installation of CCTV cameras, Haryana has also introduced new mandatory timings for ration shops. During the winter season, depots must remain open twice a day. The morning hours are set from 8 AM to 12 PM, and the evening hours are from 5 PM to 8 PM.
The minister also issued a stern warning, stating that ration shops must remain open on time throughout the month. If any complaint is received about a depot holder failing to open the shop as per the schedule, their license will be revoked. This is to guarantee that beneficiaries can get their full ration on time.
Nationwide Implementation
Following the pilot in Haryana, this program is scheduled for a nationwide rollout. The plan is to have the CCTV camera system implemented across the entire country starting from January 2025. This comprehensive move is expected to eliminate complaints and prevent the theft of rations, ensuring that the benefits of government food schemes reach the intended recipients.
