Plan panel suggests smart cards for poor - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Plan panel suggests smart cards for poor

PTI | By, New Delhi
Nov 06, 2007 09:59 PM IST

People will have to use smart cards to buy subsidised foodgrains, cooking gas, kerosene and fertilisers if a proposal by Planning Commission is accepted by the government.

People will have to use smart cards to buy subsidised foodgrains, cooking gas, kerosene and fertilisers if a proposal by Planning Commission is accepted by the government.

HT Image
HT Image

A proposal to introduce smart cards to distribute subsidised food items during the Eleventh Plan period will form part of the exercise to deal with corruption, which has become "one of the biggest challenge before the governance structure", states the draft plan prepared by the Commission.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The proposed system will allow smart-card holders to buy goods from fair price shops and also other shops, which opt to supply subsidised goods to poor against the subsidy that can be reclaimed later.

The smart cards to be used for buying subsidised goods and services including education should be given to all residents with a Unique Identification Number, the draft paper states.

Although well off people will have to pay for the smart cards, it would be given free to poor sections, including the Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.

The smart cards, according to the proposal, will contain data on subsidies given and availed by beneficiaries. It would also help the government to monitor and evaluate subsidy schemes and find out whether the targeted people are receiving the benefits of the welfare schemes.

Making a strong case for introduction of the smart cards as soon as feasible, the Commission pointed out that it is "completely consistent with different models of delivery of subsidies and transfers."

Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away!- Login Now!
Stay informed on Business News along with Gold Rates Today, India News and other related updates on Hindustan Times Website and APPs
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On