The issue of Nepali and Bangladeshi nationals illegally living in several tourist belts in Goa by procuring duplicate ration cards, was today raised in the state Legislative Assembly by a BJP member.
BJP MLA Michael Lobo, representing Calangute constituency, said in the House that several Nepalis and Bangladeshis were issued bogus ration cards, by charging them Rs 5,000 each during erstwhile Congress government's rule and demanded a thorough probe into the issue.
The MLA demanded that the state government should initiate an inquiry into source of this illegal procurement.
State Minister for Civil Supplies Dayanand Mandrekar responding to a question, said his department does not have the manpower to conduct study on these cards on a case to case basis.
He said officials in his department are mostly busy with revenue matters and have no time to cross-check bogus cards.
Lobo has raised a question regarding bogus ration cards which have been distributed to illegal immigrants.
Mandrekar said he personally knows about this 'nuisance' but is helpless.
Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar intervening in the discussion said the nuisance can be eradicated during the issuance of electronic ration cards, and the process will begin soon.
"During this process, the bogus ration cards issued during last 5-7 years can be scrutinised," he added.
Parrikar stated that the main concern is about these nationals being enrolled as voters based on these documents.
Referring to another point, the CM said that those Indians who are living here and owning two ration cards (one being in their native state), will be identified during the process to introduce electronic ration cards.
"If they have not cancelled their cards in the native state, they should be asked to do it," Parrikar added.
