Newlyweds struggle for food security cards in Hyderabad

Brokers cash in as couples who are from two different districts in the State have to apply for deletion of names, which is a lengthy process

Hyderabad: Newly married couples are running from pillar to post to apply for a food security card, which is issued by the Telangana government.

The State government had asked people, who don’t have food security card (ration card), to apply at Meeseva centres or Praja Palana Seva Centres. “When we visit the centres to apply for new ration card, we are being told already our names exist in the records that are linked to our parents. We are asked to get it deleted from the record and apply for new card,” says Mohd Saif, a resident of Falaknuma.

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With the hope of getting some benefits after obtaining the ration card, people are queuing up in front of the offices of the Assistant Civil Supply Officer of respective local circle. A two page form is sold for Rs 20 each and is available with the local broker who sits outside the circle offices. The agents then collect Rs 50 to fill up the form. The form should be submitted at the office along with a set of documents.

“After applying, we are making rounds of the office to check if the names are deleted or not. Its more than a fortnight and the names are not deleted,” said Mansoor Ali, a resident of Falaknuma.

Couples who are from two different districts in the State are suffering a lot. They have to apply for deletion of names from the local circle office where the card was issued and get it removed from records. “There are rumours that the website will closed anytime. It is here the brokers are coming into picture and charging between Rs 500 and Rs 700 to speed up the process of deletion of names,” alleged S Q Masood, a social activist.

Syed Nabi, another social worker said a majority of the people applying for ration cards are newly married couples. “In some cases it is taking up to 40 days for deletion of names and for fear of losing the opportunity people are paying up money,” he said.