No need for OTP or SMS to collect smart ration cards

Collector KS Palanisamy, who inspected the ongoing distribution of smart cards said, “In the first phase of providing smart PDS cards, we have received a total of 3.51 lakh smart cards. Nearly, 1.77 lakh cards have been distributed to the consumers.” 

“We have examined and classified whether all the consumers have furnished the Aadhaar card details for their family members listed in family cards, people should link their Aadhaar card numbers with PDS cards for availing their rations from the PDS,” the Collector added. 

As the consumers have been anxiously waiting for the OTP generated and sent to their registered mobile numbers for contacting the PDS outlets concerned to obtain new smart cards, district supply office maintained that SMS and OTP are not mandatory for receiving the smart cards from now on. 

“Consumers can visit their PDS outlets with their old ration card for receiving the smart card. We would punch a seal in the old PDS card by mentioning that a smart card has been provided to the consumer, OTP or text message is not necessary,” District Supply Officer M Velumani said. In a few cases, it is said that the consumers would be intimated by the PDS workers once their smart cards arrive at the PDS outlets concerned. Already as about 3.51 lakh smart PDS cards have been received, the District Supply Officer said that remaining 4.07 lakh smart cards in the district would be received and distributed in a phased manner before May end.

People, who would like to apply for new PDS card and change of family head and adding/removing names can do it online through www.tnpds.com or through an android application called TNePDS.