Chennai
Sources with the civil supplies department said that in the first phase, it has been decided to launch an app, which will provide information on availability of commodities. In the second phase, cards expiring by the end of December this year will be replaced with smart ones. Till then, all cardholders can draw their monthly quota from their respective PDS shops as usual.
The smart card work is said to be in advanced stage in 13 districts, including Ariyalur, Perambalur, Madurai, Tiruchy, Thoothukudi, Dindigul, Ramanathapuram and Kanniyakumari, where beneficiaries have already submitted copies of their Aadhar cards and mobile phone numbers to the department. In Chennai, the process would begin from July, sources said.
The department has sought copies of Aadhar cards of all family members, whose names are included in the PDS card.
The present family cards were issued in 2007. Though they were to be renewed after five years, it was not done for some administrative reasons. To avoid confusion over the expiry time, additional sheets were attached to them for change of address or name and other works.
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