Hyderabad, Feb 18 (IANS): Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Monday directed officials to make immediate arrangements for issuing new ration cards to all eligible families across the state.
He asked the officials to expeditiously complete the verification of applications for new ration cards received in Gram Sabhas, during the Caste Survey and also at Mee Seva centers.
According to the Chief Minister’s Office, he inquired with the officials about the surging crowd for ration cards at Mee Seva centers even after the government received numerous applications.
The officials briefed him that some families are submitting applications repeatedly, and it could be the main reason for a huge rush at the centres.
Stating that such a situation would not have arisen if the cards were issued immediately, the Chief Minister asked the officials to take immediate measures to issue ration cards.
He appealed to the families, who had already submitted applications, to stop visiting the centres.
Since the model code of conduct is in force in many districts for the MLC elections, the Chief Minister instructed the authorities to start issuing ration cards in the districts where the code is not effective. New ration cards will be issued in all districts once the election code is lifted.
The Chief Minister examined several designs for new ration cards prepared by the Civil Supplies Department.
The government started receiving applications for new ration cards on January 26 to implement a promise made by the Congress party during 2023 Assembly elections.
The Congress party has been targeting Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) for not issuing new ration cards during its 10-year-rule.
Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy had told Legislative Council in December 2024 that around 18 lakh ration card applications were pending.
He revealed that before reorganisation of Andhra Pradesh, there used to be 91.68 lakh ration card-holders in Telangana.
After people of Andhra Pradesh returned to their places following the formation of Telangana, 2.46 lakh cards were revoked.
The minister stated that currently there are 89. 95 lakh ration cardholders in the state and a total of 2.81 crore people receiving benefits.