The problem in the city is quite different and dealers claim the supply is more than demand. With commodities easily available in the markets at almost the same price, the demand at ration shops is on the decline. Kolkata residents face another problem.

A ration card is suspended if not used for four weeks. Rajkumari Devi, a resident of Keshab Chandra Sen Street, said: "We have to go to the ration shop once a month to keep our card active." Pawan Agarwal, a ration dealer at 2A Gas Street, however, said that no fine is imposed on the people.

"If they do not use the card for a month, the card is suspended. The cardholder then has to approach the officer in charge and convince him the card will be used later. Cardholders will be given another month's time to use their card. If even by the end of the second month the card has not been used, the card is cancelled. If people want another ration card they have to apply for one and go through the entire procedure once again," explained Agarwal.