Srinagar: Non-locals in Jammu & Kashmir are set to receive Ration Cards as ordered by the J&K administration under LG Manoj Sinha on Monday.
The General Administration Department (GAD) approved the order, citing the Supreme Court's directive to states to assist migrant labourers.
According to the order, ration Cards will be allotted to non-local labourers holding E-Shram cards.
Director of Food and Civil Supplies Kashmir, Ab. Rashid War told The Himalayan Post that the process for non-locals would begin after obtaining details from the Director of Labour Kashmir.
“In J&K, around 34 lac people have E-sharm and all of them are locals,” he said.
“We have reached out to the Director of Labour Kashmir for information regarding non-locals. Once we gain insights from their office, we can initiate the procedure at our department," he further explained.
Ration book distribution to E-sharm registrants is contingent on their eligibility. Upon meeting the criteria, our department will proceed to furnish them with ration books," he further said.
He also told The Himalayan Post that if the Food Department thinks it needs more food supply for everyone, they will talk to the concerned authorities to make it happen.
Photograph By Zubair Hameed
Following this official order, many non-locals working in the Kashmir valley have expressed their deep appreciation for the J&K administration's decision, stating that it will relieve their issues.
Talking to The Himalayan Post, a street vendor from UP, working in Kashmir for 31 years, said: “This step from the authorities will put an end to my food-related challenges."
"I didn't know about this scheme until yesterday. Now, I'll register for the E-Sharm service at my earliest convenience," added another non-local.
It is pertinent to mention that J&K becomes the first region to implement the Supreme Court's guidelines in this regard.