The Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection has issued a new circular to curb the misuse of state welfare schemes by illegal Bangladeshi migrants residing in the state. According to the circular, the number of Bangladeshi nationals illegally entering India for employment has been rising due to economic problems in Bangladesh. Many of these migrants have settled in Maharashtra and have obtained Government documents such as ration cards, Aadhaar cards, and other certificates to falsely prove their residence. Using these documents, they have been applying for benefits under various state welfare schemes, leading to increased financial burden on the government and posing potential threats to state and national security.

 

The government has therefore directed all regional and divisional offices to take strict action. The circular includes several key instructions: Conduct detailed discussions on the issue of illegal Bangladeshi migrants and send reports to the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). Prepare a blacklist of such illegal migrants to ensure they do not receive welfare benefits. Verify all official documents issued to 1,274 individuals identified by the ATS as illegal migrants. Any such documents must be cancelled, suspended, or deactivated immediately. Create and update a list of new illegal migrants detected in the state, to be published on the department’s official website for awareness among field offices. Strictly verify documents of individuals recommended by local representatives and ensure proper residence verification before issuing any benefits. The progress of these actions must be reported to the government every quarter. An official said that the circular aims to strengthen the verification process, protect welfare schemes from misuse and ensure state security.