The debate on the merits and demerits of the National Food Security Bill went on for months. But most of it seems disconnected to the reality on the ground, to the churning lakhs of low income families are experiencing as they register for the new scheme. There is anxiety and desperation to get subsidised foodgrain. For the urban poor, ration cards are a major marker of identity and of their domicile status in the city. New micro food cards will replace the old ones. Some poor families found their cards had been cancelled in the last survey three years ago. Some have never had a ration card. Now, there is renewed hope. But the rush to implement it before the Delhi elections has resulted in chaos.
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