J&K Relief Organisation rebuts
social media report on integration of migrant ration cards into NFSA
JAMMU, DECEMBER 26:
The Relief Organization (M), J&K, has clarified the concerns circulating on
social media platforms regarding integration of Ration Cards of Migrants
registered with the Relief Organisation (M) J&K, into the National Food
Security Act (NFSA) database.
As per a rebuttal
issued here today by the organisation in this regard, it is stated that in
terms of S.O. 392 and S.O. 393 of 2024,
dated August 13, 2024, necessary amendments have been made in the Jammu and
Kashmir Food Security Rules, 2021, and the Targeted Public Distribution
(Control) Order, 2023, to integrate
the Ration cards of Kashmiri/Jammu
migrants on the NFSA database.
Currently, migrant
ration cards are neither digitized nor categorized. Consequently, the migrants
are not able to avail the benefit of various social security schemes, wherein,
one of the essential eligibility conditions laid down is possession of Priority
Household (PHH) card by the applicant.
The document added
that integration of ration cards into the NFSA database and their
categorisation will resolve this issue. The ration cards will be categorized
into PHH (Priority Household), NPHH (Non-Priority Household), AAY (Antyodaya
Anna Yojana) and Exclusion category, while digitizing the credentials of all
registered migrants. This exercise will
ensure that migrants are seamlessly included in various flagship
programmes of the Government and also facilitate the delivery of services to
them.
“The S.O. 392,
dated 13-08-2024, explicitly provides that the Relief Assistance in respect of
Kashmiri/Jammu Migrants shall not be counted as income, but as a source of
sustenance only. This ensures that
migrants remain eligible for welfare entitlements under existing frameworks,
maintaining their socio-economic security. Importantly, the current scale of
ration/ relief benefits and norms will remain unchanged, added the document.
The Government
remains committed to protect the interests and welfare of Kashmiri/Jammu migrants.