The Andhra Pradesh government has announced that new ration cards will be issued starting in May, aimed at benefiting the state’s poor. Minister for Civil Supplies, N. Manohar, confirmed that these new cards will be ATM card-sized and will include QR codes and other security features. The distribution of these cards will commence after the completion of the e-KYC process.
In a media briefing on Tuesday at the Secretariat, Minister Manohar explained that the new ration cards will allow for the addition and removal of family members. He added that clarity on the exact number of cardholders will emerge once the e-KYC is complete. Additionally, the second phase of the Deepam-2 LPG cylinder booking has begun as of today.
ATM కార్డు సైజులో కొత్త రేషన్ కార్డు🙏 : మంత్రి శ్రీ నాదెండ్ల మనోహర్ గారు @mnadendla pic.twitter.com/FKPNXxXmJD
— Arjilli Appalaraju (@Arjilli999ARaj) April 1, 2025
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Minister Manohar also provided updates on the ongoing paddy procurement process in the state, stating that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure an adequate supply of gunny bags. He emphasized that farmers are free to sell their paddy to any mill of their choice. Furthermore, the government has introduced a WhatsApp platform, allowing farmers to sell their paddy online. As of now, 16,000 farmers have utilized this service.
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu confirmed that the increased pensions, which began in April, are being distributed. He announced that pensions are being provided to 64 lakh families across the state, with disabled individuals receiving Rs 6,000 per month. Naidu stated that the government is spending Rs 33,100 crore annually on pension distribution, with Rs 2,722 crore allocated each month. He also highlighted the flexibility for pensioners to collect up to three months’ worth of pensions if they miss a payment.
In a further commitment to supporting the poor, the Chief Minister stated that an additional ₹76 crore is being allocated for the benefit of the state’s underprivileged population. He reiterated the government’s goal of eliminating poverty in the state and urged everyone to work towards this vision.