Ration Depot Struggles: Senior citizens, specially-abled persons voice grievances over biometrics

Srinagar, Feb 28: Senior citizens and specially-abled persons have voiced their grievances regarding the mandatory biometric punching system implemented at ration depots in Srinagar.

A delegation of senior citizens, including physically challenged members, expressed their difficulties in complying with the system.

Raja Begum, a senior citizen, told Greater Kashmir that she had multiple health complications like osteoporosis that make it arduous for her to wait in long queues at the ration depots for the biometric punching process.

“The government should exempt senior citizens and specially-abled persons from this biometric punching requirement. There should be some humanity,” she said.

Similarly, Muhammad Ramzan, a specially-abled person, echoed these sentiments, stating that despite numerous complaints to the department, their concerns had gone unheard.

Director Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) Department, Abdul Rashid War told Greater Kashmir that those facing difficulties should file a complaint.

“Our team will visit the homes of senior citizens and specially-abled persons for biometric punching. They don't have to be physically present at the ration depots,” he said.

The Director FCS&CA said that anyone above 60 years of age was a senior citizen.

“Our team will go to their homes. They don’t have to be physically present and do biometric punching,” he said.