Ludhiana, Sept. 14 -- With the paddy procurement season set to begin on September 16, food inspectors across Ludhiana said they are being pushed to breaking point as the state food, civil supplies and consumer affairs department has saddled them with the additional task of completing eKYC of all pending ration card beneficiaries by September 17.

Under the new order released on September 4, the department has asked each inspector to personally visit households, carry out verifications through a mobile app, and cover at least 50 beneficiaries per day. The directive also warns that failure to meet these daily targets could invite disciplinary action. Inspectors argue that the order is "unrealistic", particularly because it coincides with pr...