Hyderabad: 16-DEC-2024 (Patriotic Views) In a major announcement, the Telangana government has revealed plans to issue new ration cards to eligible beneficiaries across the state after the Sankranti festival. Minister for Civil Supplies, K. E. Uttam Kumar Reddy, shared this development in the Legislative Council, highlighting it as a significant step towards enhancing food security.

The new ration cards will entitle beneficiaries to receive 6 kg of rice per person, with an option to choose fine-quality rice. This initiative, aimed at improving the Public Distribution System (PDS), will benefit approximately 36 lakh beneficiaries statewide and is estimated to cost the government Rs. 956 crore.

To ensure greater transparency and efficiency, the new ration cards will be equipped with electronic chips. Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy emphasized that the existing process for issuing ration cards will remain unchanged and clarified that a Cabinet Sub-Committee has been established to oversee the initiative.

“The Cabinet will discuss this further in the upcoming meeting to finalize all aspects of the process. The government is committed to ensuring food security and supporting eligible families through the PDS,” said the Minister.

This announcement comes as a Sankranti gift to the people of Telangana and underscores the government’s continued efforts to strengthen welfare measures and deliver essential supplies effectively to households in need.