Sri Vijay Puram, April 30:
Residents across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands who have faced difficulties accessing their Public Distribution System (PDS) rations due to recent network outages now have a reprieve. Authorities have extended the April 2025 PDS cycle until May 5, ensuring that every eligible household receives their due food supplies.
According to a statement issued by the local administration, network disruptions since April 26 have caused interruptions in ration distribution, particularly affecting remote and rural areas where digital authentication is essential for PDS transactions.
The Department of Civil Supplies acknowledged the inconvenience and took immediate steps to mitigate the issue. “Connectivity issues in some regions made it impossible for fair price shops to verify and disburse rations. We have now extended the cycle to ensure no one is left out,” said an official spokesperson.
Beneficiaries who were unable to collect their entitlements between April 26 and April 30 are urged to do so before the extended deadline. Officials emphasized that ration card holders should not panic, as provisions are in place to accommodate delayed transactions at respective ration outlets.
The administration is also working with telecom service providers to resolve ongoing connectivity issues. Meanwhile, PDS shopkeepers have been instructed to maintain manual registers temporarily in case of system failure to avoid delays.
“This is a routine hiccup in digital delivery, but our priority is ensuring food security. We’re addressing both the technical issues and extending timelines for people’s ease,” said a Civil Supplies Officer.
Local Panchayat members and PRI representatives have been asked to spread the word about the extension and help coordinate distribution in their respective villages. Residents expressed relief over the extension, saying the grace period would help households that rely on monthly provisions for survival.
