Alappuzha: The state civil supplies department has restricted officials from summoning the consumers over technical issues in printing of smart ration cards. While preparing the PVC ration cards and e-ration cards, the officials used to summon cardholders to the office after facing glitches to retrieve the `print password'. Observing this, the department has taken action on the same.

If any cardholder fails to receive the print password on the registered mobile number, it should be sent to any other phone number or email address. In case of any suspicion over the authenticity of the documents, the officials should examine the documents in the ration card management system online and issue passwords.

The department has strictly directed taluk supply officers (TSO) and city rationing officers not to summon anyone to the office over failing to receive the print password.

Permission of TSO or city stationing officer is not mandatory for converting the old ration card into the form of PVC, plastic or laminated e-card. If the cardholder has to make any correction, they must submit an application to the officials.

Size of smart ration cards

The cardholders can take print of the PVC and plastic ration cards in the form of ATM cards from Akshaya centres. But these cards must have a thickness of 0.76 mm. The size should be 85.6 X 53.98 mm. But equipment for printing the cards are not available in some Akshaya centres.

If any Akshaya centre charges high price for printing the e-ration cards, it will be excluded from the services. An amount of Rs 65 will be charged for printing PVC and plastic ration cards. Rs 25 should be charged for printing and laminating e-card. People can take print of the smart cards from other computer centres too.

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