Hyderabad: The Telangana government is set to distribute new ration cards while eliminating ineligible beneficiaries from the existing list. The Civil Supplies Department has identified approximately 1.36 lakh individuals who have been availing benefits despite not meeting the eligibility criteria.
Authorities have received multiple complaints regarding non-eligible individuals possessing ration cards. Based on the assessment, officials have compiled a list of beneficiaries with significant assets, including vehicles, agricultural lands, and buildings, whose ration cards are likely to be canceled. Since ration cards are a prerequisite for various welfare schemes, the government aims to streamline distribution and prevent misuse.
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One Lakh New Ration Cards to Be Issued
The government has also decided to remove deceased individuals from the ration card database. Currently, there are 90 lakh ration cards in the state, and an additional one lakh new ration cards will be distributed in select districts starting March 1.
With the Model Code of Conduct for the MLC elections set to conclude soon, the government plans to commence distribution across all districts. Meanwhile, the Civil Supplies Department has revealed that over the past decade, 25 lakh applications for modifications in ration cards have been submitted. Mandal-level authorities are reviewing these applications for approval.