According to the ICRIER report, ration worth about Rs 69,000 crore disappears from the country every year, causing a huge loss to the country. This ration comes for those 81 crore needy people who depend on government help.

The purpose of starting the free ration scheme in India is to provide ration to the poor. Under this scheme, the government gives free rations to the needy. But the question arises whether this ration is really reaching the poor or is it being used somewhere else. Due to this the country is suffering a loss of about Rs 69,000 crore? We are not saying this. This claim has been made in the report of the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER). Let us know what is the whole matter.

According to this ICRIER report, ration worth about Rs 69,000 crore disappears from the country every year, causing a huge loss to the country. This ration is meant for those 81 crore needy people who depend on government aid. According to this report, about 2 crore tonnes of rice and wheat is sold in the open market or sent somewhere else before it reaches the needy.

Ration theft is a big problem

The Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) report said that the problem of ration theft has now reduced, but it is still not completely over. In 2011-12, 46% of the ration was stolen, which has now come down to 28%. This is a matter of concern, it is affecting the country's economy.

Why is ration theft happening?

According to the report, lack of digital system and corruption are being cited as the major reasons behind the theft. Most irregularities are happening in states like Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Gujarat. Especially in the north-eastern states where there is no facility of digital tracking, incidents of theft are more. Some states like Bihar, West Bengal have paid attention to this matter. Ration theft has reduced significantly in Bihar, it has come down from 68.7% to 19.2%. On the other hand, if we talk about West Bengal, then there has been a reduction of only 9% here. However, this improvement has come by linking ration cards to Aadhaar and using point-of-sale machines.

What could be the solution?

Experts believe that adopting cash transfer, voucher or food stamp system instead of free ration will stop the irregularities. If the needy get direct financial help, then the scheme will have the right benefit. Also, digital tracking system should be mandatory in every ration shop. The report states that efforts are being made for improvement, but the problem is not over. The government will have to take strict steps so that the country's ration reaches the right hands and the poor can get their full rights.