Raja Akbar
Srinagar, Jan 01 (KNS): Residents of Audoora and Qalamabad in area of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Monday that unidentified individuals, accompanied by local Aysha workers, visited the villages, collecting Rs 20 to Rs 50 for PVC Ayushman cards, which officials state are meant to be free.
According to locals, a group of three, along with AYSHA workers, visited some days ago, urging people to activate their existing AYUSHMAN Bharat cards for PVC cards, charging Rs 20 per card, with some residents paying Rs 50.
Ghulam Mohammad, a local of Audoora, told KNS that despite already having these cards, he was charged Rs 180 for nine cards. Similarly, Adul Ahad of Lam Audoora claimed he was also charged Rs 240, and Gh Nabi from Qalamabad reported being charged Rs 80 for the activation of four cards.
Despite the cards being supposed to be free, recent visits by unknown individuals resulted in hefty amounts taken from locals. Villagers demand strict action against those misleading them and have called for intervention.
District Information Officer Kupwara, Tahir Ahmad, clarified that there are no charges for PVC cards, stating that AYSHA workers receive Rs 3 for each card they provide to beneficiaries and urged people not to pay anything for card activation.(KNS)