Nepalese want ration cards in Himachal

Shimla : Thousands of Nepalese nationals sprinkled all over Himachal Pradesh have urged the state government to allow them the facility of ration cards which will ensure them many rights .

A representation has been moved by a Nepalese organisation the Mool Prabha Akhil Bharat Nepali Ekta Samaj, top sources told the Hill Post .

They cite the 1950 pact between India and Nepal which entitles them to all facilities while living in India .

They further say when Tibetan refugees are entitled to ration cards and subsidised rations why not Nepalese citizens who have a bigger claim .

They say since they are contributing to the state’s economy they should enjoy the benefits like ration cards which will give them identity , cheap rations and cooking gas from the state’s food and civil supplies stores .

The Gorkha population keeps fluctuating in the state but according to the state’s home department it is estimated to be 36,312 .

Many Gorkhas visit the state for a few months in a year while others are settled here for many years .The largest influx of the hardy Gorkha labour takes place in the state’s apple belt .

The Tibetan population is estimated to be 33,878 ,while others put it higher . Majority of them live in Dharamsala and the surrounding Kangra valley .

During the past few months the state government has been seriously looking into bogus ration cards urging people to surrender such cards .

This move comes after the union food and civil supplies ministry and the recent census department report pointed out that there were a lot of bogus ration card holders in the state .

Baldev S Chauhan

In a 20 year career published widely. He has worked for the BBC, AFP, The Statesman, IANS and the Business Standard . Known for his hard hitting writing and occasional off-beat stories. He lives in Shimla.