Mangaluru : The Dakshina Kannada district administration on Wednesday said 11,256 applicants for ration cards who so far did not submit electoral photo identity proof (EPIC) card details, would not get the cards if they do not submit the details within 15 days.

Also, the administration may have to cancel another 4,000 APL cards, fresh as well as renewed, since applicants have not received the same despite the Department of Food and Civil Supplies informing them through SMS/ telephone call. They may collect the cards either in person or through any family member whose biometric details are captured for the card and aged above 12 years before February 28.

Deputy Commissioner A.B. Ibrahim told presspersons here that as many as 77,670 applications had been received for new ration cards, of which only 17,232 are pending for distribution. Out of 17,232 applicants, 11,256 applicants have not furnished EPIC card details and those in Mangaluru informal rationing area may give the details at MangaluruOne in Mangaluru and others in respective grama panchayats. After the 15-day deadline ends, the administration would cancel cards to those who have not submitted the EPIC details.

Deputy Director of Food and Civil Supplies Sharanabasappa said applicants for APL cards may either give EPIC card details or Aadhaar number to the department. Relevant application forms are available at all 488 fair price shops in the district, which can be used by those who have not done by registration through SMS.

Mr. Ibrahim said as many as 6,100 BPL card-holders in the district were identified for distribution of free domestic LPG connection and necessary orders have been issued. If they do not obtain the connection before March 31, subsidized kerosene allotment to their cards would be cancelled.

Vijay Suri, representative of Indian Oil Corporation said oil marketing companies have decided to waive off initial cylinder and regulator deposit (Rs. 1,600) for BPL families as their corporate social responsibility. Beneficiaries have to pay for the hose (Rs. 190), lighter (Rs. 125), gas stove (Rs. 1,600), blue book (Rs. 50) and administrative charges (Rs. 100), while stove and lighter are optional. Those having own stove have to pay Rs. 250 towards inspection charges. Beneficiaries have to then buy cylinders at prevailing prices.

Mr. Ibrahim asked oil companies to effectively take up the issue at the customer relation meets planned by them starting from February 23. Such meets would be conducted by every LPG distributor till March 31 at 35 outlets, he said.