PDS data cleaning throws up errors

Preliminary checking of data of the Public Distribution System (PDS) has thrown up errors in 5% of the total data, such as wrong names and double entries. Officials found this out ahead of the process to match the PDS data with the UID data. They believe that once the matching starts, they are likely to come across more false names.

The state IT department was to start the matching of data when the errors were found.

An official said, “In the preliminary process of cleaning the PDS database, we found that there were double names and wrong entries in up to five per cent of the data. We are yet to match it with the UID card data; that is sure to throw up more false names and records.”

And as if this wasn’t enough, almost 30% of the LPG cylinder data, ie 30% of LPG consumers, in Wardha district has not matched with the UID data. Officials suspect that a majority of these 30% consumers may be those who are cheating the government in LPG subsidy.

A government official said, “All LPG cylinder owners have been asked to give their UID numbers so that the data on their UID cards can be matched with the cylinder data. However, almost 30% of them have not submitted their UID numbers/cards. They may be those who have registered their names at several locations and have multiple cylinders and avail subsidy on all. They might also be businessmen who are availing subsidy for home use instead of being charged for commercial use.”

After realising that some LPG owners might be cheating on subsidy, the government has stopped giving it to these 30% consumers.

The official said, “Let them come forward and declare their UID number. Then, we can verify the data and give them the subsidy.”