The West Bengal government is planning to opt out of the Centre's 'One Nation, One Ration Card' scheme due to "differences of opinion" with the central government, a state minister said on Thursday.
Under the scheme, beneficiaries can buy subsidised foodgrains from ration shops in any part of the country.
The system ensures that no poor is deprived of PDS entitlement even if that person shifts from one place to another.
"We have not received any intimation from the central government in connection with its 'One Nation, One Ration Card' scheme. There is no question of joining them (the Centre) in this matter," state Food Minister Jyotipriya Mallick told PTI.
Citing "differences of opinion" with the Centre, the minister said the West Bengal government has already spent around Rs 200 crore for issuing digital ration cards.
"Who will give the amount back to us? We will not be implementing it ('One Nation, One Ration Card' scheme)."