The Telangana government will be issuing identity cards to residents here based on the recent Intensive Household Survey. Where and how these cards are to be used is being worked out, as are the eligibility criteria. This was one of the main outcomes of a prolonged meeting that Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao had with senior officials and district collectors at a meeting.
“The government has huge data of families thanks to the Intensive Household Survey. This data should be used for the public good,” Mr Rao said. “The government will not tolerate any irregularities.”
Mr Rao also decided to issue ‘Telangana State Family Food Security Card’ to BPL families and dumping the age old ration cards. These cards can be used only to draw rations from fair price shops. The government will issue new income, caste and nativity certificates to students.
Students seeking benefits under the FAST scheme should apply for the certificates with their respective MROs by October 15. They will get their certificates by the month end.
Referring to the three-acre land scheme for Dalits, Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao asked collectors to scout for land and purchase them for distribution. “NRIs, businessmen and others living in Hyderabad and other cities have lands in villages and some of them are not tilled. The government will buy such land and pay fairly good compensation. The collectors should identify such lands and offer a good price,” he added.
The Chief Minister, who held a marathon meeting with chief secretary Rajiv Sharma, heads of departments, district collectors, joint collectors and senior officials, took these and other decisions at the Secretariat on Tuesday.
The food cards will be in tune with the National Food Security Act and every person in a card-holder’s family will get 5 kg rice besides other essentials, which are to be notified soon.
The food card will be valid only for drawing rations from fair price shops. Government employees, families having five or more acres of land and business people will not be given these cards.
Families will have to apply for the food cards and identification of beneficiaries should be completed by October end.
He asked collectors to implement the `1-lakh loan waiver scheme by October 15, hold talks with bankers and ensure that farmers get fresh loans. The government has released Rs 4,250 crore to banks in this regard.
The CM also asked collectors to post two officials to receive applications from people for various certificates at the MRO offices. He asked officials to ensure payment of enhanced pensions to the aged, physically challenged and others from November. Pensioners can apply with the VRO and concerned officials on a white paper.
For the benefit of the handicapped, area hospitals will conduct special medical check ups and certify them.
Source: Deccan Chronicle