TRIPUNITHURA: “Sir, I am a panchayat president and this is the third time I am here for getting my ration card”, the middle-aged woman told the Kanayannur Taluk Supply Officer. “Madam there is no distinction here. Though the number cards to be issued in a day is forty, we are dealing with hundreds of applications. You are in the queue and will surely get yours when the turn comes”, the Supply Officer replies.This is not a one-off incident.This is the regular scene at Kanayannuur Taluk Supply Office here, which has to deal with the applicants from 11 panchayats and four municipalities.The average number of applicants queuing up in front of the Supply office on Wednesday -- the day meant for issuing new ration cards -- are anywhere between 400 and 500. But, the the officers are able to serve only 40 to 50 applicants .“To deal with this, what we have is just four clerks, two Class IV staff and a defaulted computer”, said the Supply Officer.Kanayannur Taluk Supply Office may be the only office in the State with such a large jurisdiction; from Cheranelloor, the area spreads up to Piravom. Since there are two ministers from this area, recommendations have been flowing in unbated.“Without knowing our limitations the applicants normally quarrel with the staff. We have no other option but bear all the brunt.”“We are trying our level best to provide maximum service to the public. We even sacrifice our lunch to make up for the demand.”According to credible sources, the main reason behind burgeoing number of applicants is the absence of proper screening of genuine applicants.Anybody can now get a ration card if he or she brings a letter from an MLA, a minister or a local body chief. Many cards thus issued were proved to be fake.The department has no means to check the veracity of an application. The fact that even migrant labourers can apply for the card further complicates the issue.In this scenario, the department’s other duties like inspection of the ration shops take a back seat.
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