2011-ல் அறிவிக்கப்பட்ட ஸ்மார்ட் கார்டு திட்டத்தை செயல்படுத்தாமல் அதிமுக அரசு தொடர்ந்து மெத்தனமாக இருந்து வருவது கடும் கண்டனத்திற்குரியது...

DMK leader M.K. Stalin strongly condemned the ruling AIADMK government on January 1, 2017, for extraordinary administrative apathy in failing to implement the Smart Ration Card scheme. Stalin pointed out that although the project had been formally announced with substantial fanfare as early as 2011, the administration had failed to operationalize it even after six long years of unfulfilled promises.

Stalin highlighted that millions of poor and lower middle class families across Tamil Nadu depended entirely on the Public Distribution System for monthly essential commodities. Instead of modernizing ration distribution through electronic smart cards, the state government had repeatedly postponed rollouts while citizens struggled with defective paper booklets and widespread biometric confusion. He accused the ruling establishment of showing callous disregard toward vulnerable consumers while diverting public attention with grand proclamations.

The opposition leader demanded that the Chief Minister take personal charge of the project and ensure immediate, seamless distribution of smart ration cards across all districts. Stalin affirmed that computerized transparency was vital to eradicate bogus cards and eliminate widespread hoarding in the distribution network. He warned that continued bureaucratic delays would force the DMK to organize protests to defend ration cardholders' rights.