Despite the district's population of 24.5 lakh (22,13,779 according to the 1991 census), figures available with the collectorate indicate that over 28 lakh ration cards have been registered as issued so far. Moreover, about 50,000 applications are still pending with the collectorate, with the locals insistently knocking at the collectorate's doors for access to the all-important document.

Residents threaten to resort to fasts unto death, violence and even self-immolation in protest and it is not uncommon for slumlords to lead groups of such applicants and demand immediate sanction of the cards. With frequent shortages reported from the 1,600-odd fair price shops spread across the district, it high time steps are taken to keep a check on the growing demand, saysDistrict Magistrate I S Chahal, admitting that it is easier said than done. ``It is a very delicate and sensitive matter,'' he says.

Over the last 11 months, the administration has been able to detect just 600 bogus ration cards and with a dozen officials inspecting 1,600-odd fair price shops.