Except Chennai, smart cards for all districts on April 1

However, as only 50 lakh smart cards have been printed, current ration cards will be in use for another two months to cover the total ration cardholders population of 1,94,19, 802 consumers, they added. 

The code of conduct in force for the April 12 by-poll to RK Nagar assembly constituency is the reason why smart cards are not being issued to Chennai cardholders on April 1, officials said. 

PDS ration cards currently benefit 6,93,11,303 beneficiaries who are served through 34,774 FPS (Fair Price Shops) in 285 taluks. Smart card printing was delayed due to public apathy in handing over Aadhaar card details as the smart cards are linked to Aadhaar details. 

Thus, the state government plans to ensure that all card holders are issued smart cards within two months. “Consumers who have handed over their mobile numbers to their FPS will receive a message as to when and from where they should collect their cards. Non-receipt of message will mean that such consumers cards are not yet ready,” officials said. “And till all consumers are issued smart cards, existing paper ration cards will be valid,” they added. 

While chief minister Edapadi K Palanisamy will inaugurate the scheme along with food minister R Kamaraj and officials at Korattur on April 1, cabinet ministers and MLAs will do the honours in their respective districts, officials added. 

However, provision of smart cards will be a continuous exercise as generation of new families through marriage necessitates that new members be issued ration cards. Changes in smart cards can be made at the local e-seva centre, officials ended.