The Telangana state government is preparing to implement a new policy for the distribution of white ration cards, significantly altering the criteria for availing welfare scheme benefits. Under this new policy, possessing a white ration card will no longer be mandatory to access various government schemes.
Historically, both the erstwhile governments in United Andhra Pradesh and the BRS government in Telangana made it mandatory for individuals to possess a white ration card to avail benefits under various welfare schemes. However, the newly elected Congress-led state government has announced a shift in this approach. The government has stated that a white ration card will not be required to benefit from the farm loan waiver scheme or to obtain Rajiv Arogyasri scheme cards, which are to be issued to all residents of the state.
Previously, white ration cards were necessary for families to access benefits such as fee reimbursements for higher education, housing sites, and self-employment schemes. “Now, the government is contemplating scrapping the mandatory provision of having white ration cards to enjoy the government scheme benefits,” officials said. The new policy will only come into effect after a cabinet sub-committee formulates and recommends the new guidelines.
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State Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy highlighted that the government is ready to issue new ration cards that will specifically be used to avail subsidized rice at Public Distribution System (PDS) centers, commonly known as fair price shops. The cabinet sub-committee is tasked with developing the guidelines and eligibility criteria for these new ration cards.
Currently, 90 lakh families hold white ration cards in the state. Under the new policy, the government will identify eligible families based on the recommendations of the committee, which will require cabinet approval before implementation.
This significant policy change aims to streamline the distribution of welfare benefits and ensure that subsidies and aid reach the intended recipients without the bureaucratic hurdle of acquiring a white ration card. The government’s initiative is expected to simplify access to essential services and support for the state’s residents.
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