Pune: The government has mandated that all tasks related to ration cards—such as issuing new cards, removing or adding names, and obtaining subsidized grains—must be completed through the Food and Civil Supplies Department's (RCMS) website starting May 16.

However, citizens are experiencing numerous difficulties as the website is frequently down or extremely slow. These issues are causing significant delays and frustration.

For citizens looking to apply for the 'Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin' scheme, which requires ration card details as proof of income and family status, the website's inefficiencies have created additional hurdles.

As a result, many people are rushing to nearby circle offices only to find that staff are limited and unable to assist them directly, advising them to apply online instead.

One Maha E-Seva center operator highlighted the need for a separate login for these centers, as they currently do not have dedicated access, exacerbating the problem. They also suggested that software training be provided and the website's technical issues be resolved to streamline the process.

Citizens like Upesh Sonawane expressed their frustration, stating that applying through the website has been nearly impossible due to persistent OTP delays and site outages.

Gayatri Bhagat, a housewife, shared her struggles of trying to transfer her name from her parental ration card to her in-laws' card, facing several days of unsuccessful attempts and lack of support at the circle office.

Prashant Khatal, Food Grain Distribution Officer in Pune, acknowledged the website's issues but assured that it would be functional within the next week. He emphasized that citizens should complete their ration card tasks online and not visit circle offices unnecessarily.

Meanwhile, Deputy Tehsildar Sangeeta Khomne, in charge of Circle 'C' and 'L' divisions, mentioned the staffing shortages and website problems, urging the government to provide adequate staff to facilitate faster service delivery.