Ludhiana: Multiple biometric checks slow wheat distribution at depots
Ludhiana Faces Delays in Wheat Distribution Amid Biometric Verification Changes
Ludhiana - Since the start of foodgrain and ration kit distribution for April, May, and June on May 25, less than one-fifth of Ludhiana's eligible ration-card holders have accessed wheat. Depot operators cite a revamped system involving repeated biometric checks and monthly transaction slips as the primary cause of the bottleneck.
Official records show only 87,928 of the district’s 4.54 lakh ration-card holders have claimed wheat, representing 19.36% of the total. Despite an allocation of 2.58 lakh quintals, just 47,162 quintals have been dispensed so far.
Distribution of 'meri rasoi' kits has fared even worse. Of the 4.54 lakh kits available, only 48,037 have been handed out, covering just 10.58% of the allocation. This has led to extended wait times and frustration among beneficiaries.
Slower Process Due to New Verification System
Depot holders noted that the revised process has significantly reduced the number of people served daily. Previously, around 200 individuals could collect wheat in a single day. Now, many depots manage only about 50 beneficiaries per day due to the increased time per transaction.
“Earlier, around 200 beneficiaries could collect wheat from a depot in a day. Now, in many cases, only about 50 are being served because each transaction takes significantly longer,” said several depot holders.
The new system mandates biometric checks for every monthly transaction, adding layers to the process. This shift from a single slip for multiple months to separate slips for each period has extended the time required per beneficiary from a few minutes to 20-25 minutes.
Elderly citizens and manual laborers, in particular, face challenges with fingerprint authentication. Malfunctions during verification often require repeated attempts, worsening delays at distribution centers.
Efforts to Streamline the Process
Ration kits containing sugar, salt, turmeric powder, and red chilli powder are being distributed alongside wheat. Depot operators said the separate verification process for these kits has further lengthened queues and hindered efficiency.
“Previously, beneficiaries received combined slips for multiple months. Now, individual slips are issued for each month and for ration kits, which increases processing time at distribution centers,” explained District Food Supply Controller (East) Lakhvir Singh.
Officials insist the changes will improve transparency and ensure accurate monthly entitlement tracking. However, depot operators highlight the need to address procedural inefficiencies to meet the demand of over 4.5 lakh beneficiaries across the district.