Telangana CM Revanth Reddy Directs Immediate Issuance of New Ration Cards
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has instructed officials to make immediate arrangements for issuing new ration cards to all eligible families across the state. This directive comes as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure that no eligible family is left without access to essential benefits.
During a review meeting, the Chief Minister urged officials to expedite the verification process for the applications received at Gram Sabhas, during the Caste Survey, and through Mee Seva centers. Despite numerous applications already being submitted, the Chief Minister was informed that a significant rush of people continues to flood the Mee Seva centers. Officials explained that some families were submitting applications multiple times, which has contributed to the crowded situation at these centers.
The Chief Minister noted that such delays could have been avoided if ration cards had been issued immediately and instructed the officials to take swift action to resolve the issue. He appealed to families who have already submitted applications to refrain from visiting the centers to ease the pressure.
Given the model code of conduct in effect in several districts for the ongoing MLC elections, CM Revanth Reddy directed authorities to begin issuing ration cards in areas where the code is not enforced. The distribution will continue across the state once the election code is lifted.
The Civil Supplies Department has already prepared several designs for the new ration cards, which the Chief Minister reviewed. The government began accepting applications for new ration cards on January 26, fulfilling a promise made by the Congress party during the 2023 Assembly elections.
The Congress party has been critical of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) for failing to issue new ration cards during its 10-year rule. Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy recently informed the Legislative Council that approximately 18 lakh ration card applications were pending. Prior to the reorganization of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana had 91.68 lakh ration cardholders. However, with the return of people from Andhra Pradesh following the formation of Telangana, 2.46 lakh cards were revoked, leaving the state with 89.95 lakh ration cardholders, serving 2.81 crore beneficiaries.
