Advanced Capacity Building in Action - Rationing Issue at Manori 28-9-15

On Monday the 28th September, a large turnout of 111 of Women Leaders from Manori attended the Advanced Capacity Building Training on Food Security by Ms. Taruna Kumbhar. She led the enthusiastic group through an interactive session by tracing the history of the system of providing ration and then went on to explain the purpose of the Ration Card being specifically for the Public Distribution of food grains and not as an identity proof. 

She went on to describe the three types of Ration Cards being promoted by the government - White, Orange and Yellow and the type of beneficiaries accordingly. Yellow being for the below poverty line (BPL) beneficiaries. Orange for those who have below Rs. 59,000/- income annually and their cards should be stamped by the government being as per the BPL list. Those beneficiaries having annual income above Rs. 100,000/- are given a White Card. 

She then went on to explain the eligibility for each category. Yellow Card holders are eligible to obtain 3 kgs of Wheat and 2 kgs of Rice per person per month. And those who have two gas cylinders they would not be eligible for the kerosene, one person would be eligible for two litres and consequently the calculations for the family too were explained. 

The resource person then went on to explain the process of preparing a new ration card i.e. filling the form and obtaining the book within the cost of just Rs. 20/-. Other processes too were explained like enrolling new members onto the Ration Card. She explain how they could register a complaint in the ration shop in case they face difficulties like not receiving their entitlements. A toll free number too was shared with the group, +1800224950, so as to register their complaints and seek advice for further action. 

The women were so taken up by the sharing, that they decided to put their learning into action. The women who had not received their rations for the month decided to take up this first step of advocacy of demanding for their rights at the local ration shop. Thirty women along with the resource person questioned the ration shop owner on the lack of services provided in the shop like the rations not being provided, the contact numbers and toll free number not being displayed. 

The ration shop owner promised to abide by the rules and provide the less rations provided for the month in the coming month. The group of women will be taking up a follow up and will then lodge a complaint if he defaults on his promises. 

The women have taken up an assignment that all the families who fall in the category of Orange Card they would be followed up to ensure that their Cards will be marked and enrolled by the Government authorities with BPL stamp.

Report by the Manori CCO Team.