Vijayawada: The state govt’s hurried decision to open the window to grant new ration cards and also to make corrections without readying proper software have led to flooding of applications across the state. In fact, people have been complaining about incompatible software to address their grievances for the past several years. The existing software is unable to address even small issues such as correction of names, addition and deletion of beneficiaries from the cards.Strangely, instead of addressing the software issue first, the civil supplies dept decided to accept applications for grant of new ration cards, including splitting of existing card between family members and changes in the list of beneficiaries. As per information, ward and village secretariats have been flooded with applications since the services were launched on May 7. Sources said about 3 lakh new applications were received by the field level staff within 10 days. With the govt also launching the services through Mana Mitra (WhatsApp) on May 15, the rush of applications led to the civil supplies dept server witnessing technical glitches. The govt plans to attend at least 15 services along with new ration card applications. However, the field teams are facing anger from the public as the software issue was not addressed to rectify the issues before the launch of new services. In one such instance, a woman in NTR district was made the head of the family in the ration card. After her death, her family approached authorities to remove her name and also furnished her death certificate. However, the software refused to grant the card to the other three members, stating that the presence of woman member was required. Left with no option, the family continues to take the ration, including that of the deceased person. Civil supplies minister Nadendla Manohar said he is aware of the issues being face by the public, adding that officials all issues would be rectified soon.
