Chennai Food Commissioner Directs Use of Fingerprint Verification for Pongal Gift Distribution
Chennai’s Food Distribution Commissioner, Har Sahai Meena, has issued a directive to District Collectors regarding the distribution of Pongal gift packages. According to the guidance circular sent by Meena, the distribution of Pongal gift packages should be done through fingerprint verification of the cardholder at the point of sale machine in ration shops.
The circular outlines that the distribution of Pongal gift packages should commence from the 10th of the coming month and continue until the 14th. Ration shops will also be functioning on Friday, the 12th, to facilitate the distribution process.
Furthermore, the circular states that the distribution of Pongal gift packages with cash amount should be carried out through fingerprint verification of the cardholder at the point of sale machine in the ration shops. Additionally, it emphasizes that only cardholders who are unable to register their fingerprints correctly and legibly can be assured of their presence, signature in the register, and distribution.
The circular also explicitly prohibits the receipt of prize money through an authorized person or any other individual for any reason. In addition, it highlights that persons with disabilities coming to receive the Pongal gift package with cash should prioritize senior citizens instead of queuing up.
These guidelines come as part of the efforts to ensure the smooth and transparent distribution of Pongal gift packages to eligible beneficiaries. With the use of fingerprint verification, the Food Distribution Commissioner aims to eliminate any potential instances of fraud and uphold the integrity of the distribution process.
As Pongal, a major harvest festival in South India, approaches, the directive from the Food Distribution Commissioner is expected to streamline the distribution process and ensure that the beneficiaries receive their entitled gift packages in a fair and efficient manner.