Pune: Maha e-Seva Kendras Accused of Overcharging Citizens for Ration Card Services
Pune, 6th October 2026: Citizens seeking ration card-related services in Pune are allegedly being charged exorbitant amounts by some Maha e-Seva Kendras, with complaints claiming that applicants are being asked to pay up to ₹2,000 for services that officially cost as little as ₹50. The alleged overcharging has triggered concern among citizens and raised questions about the functioning of these centres.
Maha e-Seva Kendras are used by citizens for several ration card-related services, including applying for a new ration card, adding or removing names, and correcting addresses and other details. While these services are intended to make government processes more accessible, citizens have alleged that some centres are taking advantage of their lack of awareness about the prescribed fees.
According to the available information, the prescribed fee for a new yellow ration card is ₹50, while a new white ration card costs ₹100. However, some applicants have reportedly been charged amounts running into thousands of rupees for completing the process.
Applicants Facing Delays
Apart from allegations of overcharging, citizens have also complained about delays in receiving ration cards. Some applicants reportedly claim that even after paying the required amount, they have not received their ration cards for nearly two-and-a-half months.
The delays have forced applicants to make repeated visits to Maha e-Seva Kendras and government offices. Senior citizens are among those facing significant inconvenience due to the repeated visits.
The government has introduced an online system for ration card services to prevent bogus ration cards and ensure that the same person does not hold ration cards at multiple locations. The system is also intended to maintain accurate beneficiary and family records and prevent ineligible beneficiaries from receiving government benefits.
Online Application Facility Available
Citizens can apply for ration card-related services online by submitting necessary documents, including an Aadhaar card and electricity bill. The Ration Card Management System allows applicants to access services related to new ration cards, corrections, changes in beneficiary details and other ration card-related information.
Earlier, the process for issuing a new ration card was expected to be completed within 30 days. Under the revised procedure, the government has instructed that new ration cards should be issued within 18 days.
The alleged practice of charging citizens significantly more than the prescribed fees, coupled with complaints of delays, has led to growing dissatisfaction among applicants. Citizens have urged the authorities to monitor Maha e-Seva Kendras and take action against centres found charging unauthorised fees.
Authorities are expected to ensure that citizens are clearly informed about the official fees for each service and that applications are processed within the stipulated time frame.
