Delhi government orders action against website taking money for ration cards

The Delhi government on Sunday directed action against a fake website allegedly promising ration cards to the public on payment. The website, according to the government, was asking people to register for a digital ration card and asking them to deposit Rs 407 as the fee.

Food and Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Minister Imran Hussain on Sunday directed the Commissioner (Food and Civil Supplies) and Additional Chief Secretary (Home) to take necessary action against the fake website -- https://rationcardagent.co.in/digital-ration-card-application.

"The website asks innocent and unsuspecting people to register for a digital ration card besides asking them to deposit Rs 407," the Ministry said in a statement.

The Minister said that the Delhi government is undertaking relief operations amid Covid-19 lockdown period, where not only ration card holders but other poor and needy people are also being provided ration free of cost.

"Cheating the public and playing fraud on the Government at this critical juncture is a crime against humanity and that guilty persons/miscreants should be immediately arrested and sternly proceeded against for violating various provisions of law," Hussain said.

He said the personal information submitted by the applicants may also be misused by the persons running website illegally.

The Minister directed the officers to take immediate necessary action in the matter including registration of FIR, investigation in the matter, arrest of miscreants etc., as per the law.

The Crime Branch of Delhi Police has registered an FIR under section 420 of the Indian Penal Code and under Section 66D of the IT Act and has launched an investigation into the matter.

The Minister also appealed to the general public to be alert and not to fall prey to motivated and vested interests who attempt to cheat the public by offering government schemes/incentives fraudulently and that the public should first satisfy itself about the genuineness of the schemes and incentives through the government websites and helpline numbers before making any application/request for availing the same.

Hussain said the government is providing free ration to the needy people and no money is being charged by the government for preparation of e-coupons for ration.

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About 10 lakh poor are being distributed free ration amid the 21-day lockdown imposed by the Centre, which left the daily wagers without any opportunity to work.