ONORC portability misuse alleged in Visakhapatnam

Allegations of misuse of the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) portability system by a section of fair price shop (FPS) dealers have triggered disputes in Visakhapatnam over the past three months, with several depots reporting leftover rice stocks even after the distribution deadline.

Sources said some dealers were allegedly visiting the houses of ration cardholders mapped to neighbouring depots, authenticating beneficiaries using biometric fingerprints, and distributing rice under portability. Dealers claim the method is being used to artificially boost distribution figures and obtain additional quota allocations within the same month.

“This is being done to show higher distribution and claim extra quota,” said an FPS dealer, alleging that portability distribution was exceeding permitted limits in some localities.

As per government norms, FPS dealers are required to distribute monthly supplies to at least 60% of mapped beneficiaries, while up to 40% may be distributed under portability to beneficiaries from other areas. However, dealers alleged that the 40% cap was being breached in areas such as Kota Veedhi, Poorna Market, Kurupam Market, Akkayyapalem, Seethampeta, Kancharapalem, Gajuwaka, Arilova and Marripalem.

Another dealer said the practice affected regular distribution. “Mapped cardholders are shown as served under portability, and stocks remain in the original depots,” he alleged.

Some dealers further alleged diversion of rice. “Fingerprints are collected at households, but cash is paid instead of rice,” a dealer claimed, demanding strict action.

With monthly distribution for the current cycle ending on the 15th, dealers said substantial quantities remained undistributed at multiple depots. They have urged the Civil Supplies authorities to enforce portability limits strictly and conduct a district-level review of additional quota allocations to prevent misuse.