The number of ration card holders dropped significantly from 34.35 lakh in 2012-13 to 17 lakh in 2014-15 post the implementation of National Food Security Act in Delhi as all non-entitled beneficiaries were excluded.
Delhi was one of the pioneer states to implement the National Food Security Act, 2013, according to Delhi's Economic Survey which was tabled in the Assembly today.
As many as 17.68 lakh National Food Security Smart Cards have been issued to eligible households covering a total beneficiaries of 62.55 lakh as on 10th May, the survey said.
"Almost all the digital Food Security Cards are Aadhar enabled. Major commodities in the public distribution system include wheat, rice, and sugar. It provides rationed amounts of basic food items to around 72 lakh consumers through a network of 2,430 Fair Price Shops," it said.
As per the survey, the number of fair price shops in Delhi as on March 31, 2015 was 2,310. On an average each fair shops handles more than 736 ration cards as on March 31, 2015.
The highest number of cards (2, 81,727) during 2014-15 was in north-west district of Delhi. While highest number of fair price shops (347) was in north-east district, it said.
The survey also said that the government had decided to make Delhi a kerosene-free City in the year 2012-13.
"Under this, Delhi was providing free LPG connection with a LPG-filled cylinder along with two burners and other accessories to kerosene oil user cardholders," it said.
The scheme was discontinued in September, 2013 and Delhi was declared as 'kerosene-free city' in October 2013, it said, adding, distribution of kerosene oil in GNCT of Delhi under PDS has been stopped.
The Delhi government is also in the process of setting up a state food commission to handle the grievance redressal mechanism and address non-delivery of entitlements to eligible beneficiaries.
The commission will monitor and review of implementation of FSA in efficient and transparent manner.
