The Telangana Government has announced plans to issue 10 lakh new white ration cards after Sankranti, which will benefit approximately 31 lakh people across the state. This significant move was revealed by Food and Civil Supplies Minister Capt. N. Uttam Kumar Reddy during the Question Hour in the Legislative Council.
The government plans to use data obtained from the recent caste census to determine eligibility for the new ration cards. This decision comes as part of an effort to streamline the distribution of ration cards and ensure that deserving individuals have access to essential government benefits.
The issuance of new ration cards is expected to place a financial burden of Rs 956 crore annually on the state exchequer, according to Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy. He also noted that over 18 lakh applications to add names to existing ration cards have been pending at Mee Seva centres for over a decade, contributing to a growing backlog. The new ration card initiative aims to address this long-standing issue and replace outdated ration cards with more efficient smart cards.
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The new white ration card scheme was conceptualized under the leadership of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, and it has been developed through consultations and meetings by a sub-committee chaired by Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy. The committee included prominent figures such as Damodar Raja Narasimha and Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, who contributed to finalizing the eligibility criteria.
The recommendations for the new scheme were based on the guidelines provided by the Sachchidananda Saxena Committee, along with input from MLAs, MLCs, and MPs. These recommendations have already been submitted to the state cabinet for approval.
In addition to addressing the backlog of applications and issuing new cards, the government is also working to improve the operations of fair-price shops. Steps are being taken to fill vacancies in these shops to ensure smoother and more efficient delivery of services to the public. These efforts are part of a larger strategy to enhance the state’s public distribution system and provide better access to subsidized food grains and other essential commodities for the people of Telangana.
This initiative, part of the Telangana Government’s ongoing commitment to welfare, is expected to make a significant impact on the lives of many families, ensuring that those in need have access to vital resources and support.
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