Thiruvananthapuram: Since income certificates have been made mandatory for ration card applications, households that are economically backward too could be out of the priority list.
Households that have an annual income of Rs 50,000 are included in the priority list. Since village officers did not get enough time to carry out inspections to ascertain the veracity of income claims, even employees of government and private sector firms have managed to show the average salary of day-wage workers.
Accordingly, at an estimated daily wage of Rs 500 for 20 days a month, most people have been given income certificates for over Rs 1 lakh a month by most village officers. Only widows and the destitute were given income certificates below Rs 50,000.
At present, there are 80.21 lakh ration card owners in Kerala. In 2012 a self-attested income certificate was submitted by applicants. But the rationing inspectors took into consideration several factors before deciding on the priority list even if the income was shown as below Rs 50,000,
Government employees and pensioners and those who are financially well off won't be included in the priority list. They are given the white card. However, they too have to submit an income certificate.
Apply from Akshaya
One can apply for an income certificate through Akshaya centres too. The government had announced that the application form for the ration card will be provided free of cost. However, only sample forms were made available at village, panchayat and supply offices. Applicants have to take a copy of the sample form and fill it up.
The government started receiving applications for new cards from June 25. Applications can be submitted online from July 16. For those who are not proficient in online procedures, the government had announced that necessary arrangements will be made at Akshaya centres. Though they used to charge Rs 25 for online applications, Akshaya centres are now demanding at least Rs 50.
Run after MLAs
Even if you have an income certificate and residence certificate, one needs to have the signature of their MLA as per the norms of food and civil supplies department for your application to be considered. Right now, MLAs are the most sought-after people in Kerala!
