Iraq’s Ministry of Trade announced on Friday the successful implementation of the electronic ration card system and its linkage to the national ID card, noting that the system has effectively detected violations and improved data accuracy. The ministry also revealed plans to reopen the ration card addition process in the near future.
Ministry spokesperson Mohammed Hanoon told the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that the ministry has begun applying the electronic ration card system to address violations, explaining that it has proven highly effective without relying on traditional procedures such as annual audits or local mukhtar endorsements. He stressed that any detected violations are now handled in accordance with applicable laws.
Hanoon stated that the current number of registered beneficiaries stands at approximately 37.5 million citizens, down from a previous total of more than 41.9 million. He clarified that the difference does not necessarily indicate fictitious cases, but rather includes deceased individuals, citizens residing abroad, or those who have not updated their information since the application was launched in November last year.
He added that the ministry lifted restrictions on some services about two weeks ago and will later reopen the addition phase, which is expected to lead to an increase in beneficiary numbers.
The spokesperson also confirmed that linking the ration card to the national ID card, in coordination with the Ministry of Interior, has enhanced data accuracy and reduced the burden on citizens, as verification is now conducted electronically and directly. He described the move as a significant step forward in regulating the national database.
