Upcoming Issuance of New Ration and Health Cards by State Government
Overview
The state government is set to launch a major initiative next month to issue new ration cards and health cards to eligible families. This will streamline the process for citizens to access government-supported health and nutrition programs. Below is a step-by-step breakdown of the process, key discussions, and decisions taken by the Cabinet Sub-Committee led by Civil Supplies Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy.
Steps to be Followed for Issuing New Ration and Health Cards
- Application Collection:
- Eligible families will be required to collect special applications for both the new ration cards and health cards.
- These applications will need to be filled out and submitted by the selected beneficiaries to ensure eligibility for the new smart cards.
- Smart Card Issuance:
- Smart cards will replace older forms of ration and health cards and will be issued to all eligible persons under this scheme. These smart cards will make it easier for citizens to access health services and receive ration supplies.
- Sub-Committee Review:
- A Cabinet Sub-Committee, chaired by Civil Supplies Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy, has been actively discussing and formulating policies surrounding the issuance of the new ration cards.
- Several key political figures, including MPs, MLAs, MLCs, and council members, have submitted their views in writing regarding the process and the associated rules.
Key Decisions and Discussions at the Cabinet Sub-Committee
Initial Meeting:
On Monday, the Sub-Committee met under the leadership of Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy. The primary agenda was to evaluate the ration card policies implemented in other states and consider feedback from political and public representatives.
Future Meeting Plans:
The Sub-Committee will reconvene on the 21st of this month to finalize and announce clear rules regarding the distribution and issuance process of the new ration and health cards. All steps are expected to be completed by the end of this month.
Representatives’ Input:
Letters have already been sent to all political parties in the state, asking for their views. Feedback has been received from MPs, MLAs, and MLCs representing regions such as Chevella, Hyderabad, and Periyapalli, with additional feedback expected from other constituencies by the 19th of this month.
Timeline for Ration Card Issuance
- Application Processing:
- The state plans to complete the application process by the end of this month.
- After that, ration card applications will be officially received in October.
- Smart Card Distribution:
- Smart ration cards will be issued shortly after the application process, ensuring that eligible citizens can begin benefiting from the new system by early next year.
Issues Raised During the Committee Meeting
Limited Ration Card Issuance in the Past:
Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy highlighted the slow progress in ration card distribution during the previous BRS government’s tenure, stating that only 49,476 ration cards were issued over a span of ten years. He pointed out that this was largely limited to constituencies where by-elections were held.
Current Ration Card Distribution:
At present, there are 89.96 lakh ration cards across the state, with 1.91 crore beneficiaries. Of these:
- 54.45 lakh cards are managed by the Central Government, providing rice at 6 kg per individual.
- 35.51 lakh cards are under the state government, serving 93 lakh beneficiaries.
Additional Announcements
Bonus for Farmers:
Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy announced that farmers will receive a bonus of ₹500. This initiative is aimed at providing financial support to the farmers, and it is expected to be implemented starting January.
Distribution of Thin Rice:
The state government will introduce thin rice, known as “sannabiyam,” to ration beneficiaries. This decision was made following feedback that many beneficiaries did not prefer the rice previously supplied by the state. The transition to thin rice is expected to meet the taste preferences of the citizens better.
Broader Review of Ration Card Policies
A comprehensive study is being conducted by the government to analyze how ration cards were distributed in the past and how to improve the system going forward. Some of the regulations being reviewed include:
- Income Criteria:
- Rural areas have a cap of ₹1.50 lakh, while urban areas have a limit of ₹2 lakh for eligibility.
- The state government is also comparing regulations from neighboring states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu to adopt best practices.
The goal of these reviews is to update and streamline the existing rules to ensure fair distribution of ration cards to those who need them the most.
Expected Timeline for Clarity:
The final policies on ration card issuance will be presented at the next Cabinet meeting, bringing clarity to the eligibility criteria and the overall process.
By implementing these new regulations and policies, the state government aims to improve the efficiency of its public distribution system, ensuring that all eligible citizens receive the benefits they are entitled to, while also modernizing the system with the introduction of smart cards.