New Ration Cards for Newlyweds and Updated Features
The government is going to introduce redesigned ration cards, especially for newlywed couples in the state. A new online portal will be used for updating and changing details, such as adding or removing family members from ration cards. The new cards will have a QR code, which will help access the details of family members, and they will look like credit cards. Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar said that the scheme would be launched in the last week of January or the first week of February.
Present Demand for Ration Cards
The state holds 1.48 crore ration cards. More than 70,000 forms of newlywed couples have come before and officials say that adding family details will require new ration cards of about 2 lakh. So, the total ration card count will be around 1.50 crore.
Renewing Ration Cards for Easier Accessibility
Earlier, the ration cards were printed with party colors and pictures of Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy during the YSRCP government. The new government has decided to replace them with credit card-like designs with QR codes. Scanning the QR code will display detailed family information, a modern and user-friendly approach. The process is awaiting final approval from Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and is expected to roll out shortly.
Delays in the Issuance Process
The coalition government had planned to roll out the new ration cards in December last year, with the hope of distributing them during Sankranthi. However, logistical issues such as revenue conferences and grain procurement caused delays. The online application process was also stopped, which further delayed the issuance process.
Addressing Previous Issues with the Ration Card System
Under the YSRCP government, the ration card system faces serious issues with unfulfilled promises to distribute cards within six months of filing. Thousands of families, even newly wed ones, have been waiting for over a year to receive their updated ration cards. Otherwise, they were denied their share of basic government schemes.
Now, the government coalition is looking to solve such problems and bring efficiency into it. With a ration card embedded with QR code and an online portal for its updation, the government wishes to make its schemes more accessible and efficient to all the state beneficiaries.
