Barmer, Oct. 16 -- An alleged ration card irregularity involving 438 families in Barmer district has prompted a probe after an internal departmental inquiry found that their cards had been upgraded to the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) category without supporting documents. The families allegedly drew more than 300 tonnes of wheat over the past two years, while questions have been raised over lapses in the verification process. The district supply department has issued notices to the cardholders, seeking valid documents, and warned of recovery of the wheat cost if their eligibility is not established. Confirming the development district supply officer (DSO) Ashwini Gurjar said notices had been issued to all 438 identified cardholders, asking them to submit valid supporting documents within seven days. "The irregular conversion of ration cards into the Antyodaya category has come to light, following which each of the identified cards was examined. Notices have been issued to the 438 cardholders, asking them to provide valid documents. If the cards are found to have been obtained fraudulently, recovery will be made at the rate of Rs.30.57 per kg," Gurjar said. It is informed that families, whose cards were earlier in Above Poverty Line or general Below Poverty Line categories, allegedly obtained Antyodaya status without required eligibility documents. The inquiry found no records supporting selection of 438 cardholders, raising questions about verification process at the block level. Under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), general-category beneficiaries are entitled to five kilograms of foodgrain per person per month, while Antyodaya households receive 35 kg per month, irrespective of family size....