Obtaining ration cards, genuine or bogus, easy (Herald)

October 3, 2013 TEAM HERALD PANJIM: Even as there are widespread allegations that a large number of bogus ration cards are in use in Goa, especially among migrants, it is shocking to note that except for a house tax receipt copy, no other document needs attestation/verification, at least as per a notice pasted on the office door at civil supplies section in the mamlatdar office. Ironically, though these rations cards were banned from being used as proof of identity, they are used as sole proof of identity to issue Aadhaar cards. Interestingly, now to obtain ration cards, Aadhar cards along with voters’ ID with phone number are being insisted upon. Besides, to obtain a ration card, the original cancellation certificate from migrant’s native place and an affidavit from the house owner -- if one is staying on rent -- along with the house tax receipt are a must. Ration cards are the basis for new direct subsidies. Earlier, these were crucial for elections. Goa has been hit by allegations of bogus ration cards, available for a fee and even the government has admitted to this. The Goa Civil Supplies Department had confirmed through a circular in October 2002 that a large number of bogus ration cards were circulating in the state due to whatever lacunae and that the government had decided not to allow the use of ration cards as proof of identity. According to sources, the 20-point programme, a central scheme, is also allegedly ridden with illegalities in Goa as migrants have been submitting fake certificates to avail numerous benefits. Locals are ineligible for applying to this programme as there is a requirement that the applicant should not own any land in the state. Last week itself, Herald had exposed the fake marriage certificate racket being used to take benefit of government’s Griha Aadhar Scheme. On further inquiry with a few state departments, this reporter discovered that proper verification of documents was not being carried out. The departments seek attested photocopies of some documents and interestingly, self-attested photocopies of marriage certificates. These, officials claim, are verified during the process. Social Welfare department, which was rocked by Dayanand Social Security (DSS) scheme scam with about 20 percent ‘doubtful’ beneficiaries, seeking attested certificates from the benefit seekers. In 2012, Herald was the first to report that around 49 government servants and 300 artists illegally enjoyed the DSS pension, the amount of which was hiked from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 by the present coalition. A survey finding had also found many other fake beneficiaries. The government initiated the process to recover the doles with eight per cent interest from the fake beneficiaries. The department then enhanced the verification process of applicants seeking benefits under various social welfare schemes. An officer said that for every scheme attested copies of original documents by a gazetted officer are a must. Except for the DSS, no other schemes have any committee to scrutinize the applications. The use of ration card as an important identification document has also run into a controversy with the Pilerne Citizens’ Forum alleging that fake ration cards are being used in Goa to obtain Aadhar cards. In October 2002 government had issued a circular that a large number of fake ration cards were circulating in the state due to lacunae and that government had decided not to use ration cards as proof of identity. However, ration cards continued to be used as sole proof of identity to issue Aadhaar cards. For other crucial documents such as residence certificate, income certificate and life certificates; the mamlatdar offices say that signatures by MP or MLA or a gazetted officer proves the certificates are genuine. At the district collectorates, any Indian document which is being sent overseas are attested before forwarding to the Home Department from where it is sent to concerned consulate. “The documents should have signature of a notary who is registered with the special signature at the collectorate. It is verified and sent to Home Department from where it goes to consulate,” said an official. However to avail of government schemes, the applicants can get away without attested copies. http://heraldgoa.in/News/Local%20News/Obtaining-ration-cards-genuine-or-bogus-easy/80203.html