Srinagar :- The Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticized the government’s decision to cancel over 1.27 lakh ration cards in Jammu and Kashmir, labeling the move as “unwarranted and cruel.” Party leader Iltija Mufti expressed her concerns through social media platform X, emphasizing that the affected cardholders were primarily people living below the poverty line, and the cancellation would significantly impact numerous families.
The cancellation is part of a broader nationwide initiative that has seen the elimination of 5.87 crore ration cards across India between 2013 and 2024, as revealed in the Rajya Sabha by Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution, Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya. In Jammu and Kashmir specifically, 1,27,872 ration cards were cancelled, while neighboring Ladakh saw 702 cancellations. The Centre justified these cancellations as necessary steps to ensure “rightful targeting” of food subsidies.
Mufti highlighted the apparent contradiction in the government’s actions, pointing out that the same administration had previously promised to provide 10 kilograms of flour and rice free every month in their manifesto. In a video message posted on X, she appealed to the J&K government to reconsider their decision, noting that a single ration card typically supports four to five family members. She warned that the cancellation could lead to widespread distress among thousands of families and urged the immediate revocation of the order.
