The Delhi government has reopened the application process for new ration cards after a gap of 13 years, a move that will benefit thousands of families in the national capital. The announcement was made by Food and Supplies Minister Imran Hussain, who stated that the online portal for applications is now active.
Who Can Apply?
Families that do not possess a ration card and meet the eligibility criteria under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) can now apply. The scheme is targeted at households with an annual income of up to Rs 3 lakh. Priority will be given to families with no ration card, as well as those with partially covered families or those facing other hardships.
Application Process
Applicants can fill out the form on the official website of the Delhi Food and Supplies Department. The application requires details such as Aadhaar number, bank account information, and family composition. After submission, the department will verify the documents and issue the ration card within 60 days.
Minister Hussain emphasized that the process is completely online and transparent, with no involvement of middlemen. He urged eligible families to apply promptly and cautioned against any fraudulent agents claiming to expedite the process.
Historical Context
The last time new ration cards were issued in Delhi was in 2011. Since then, the government had only allowed modifications to existing cards, such as adding or removing family members. The reopening comes after persistent demands from various political parties and civil society groups, who argued that many poor families were left out of the public distribution system (PDS).
Impact on Beneficiaries
With the resumption of applications, an estimated 2-3 lakh families are expected to benefit. Each eligible family will receive subsidized wheat, rice, and other essentials at rates fixed by the government. The move is seen as a significant step towards ensuring food security for the urban poor, especially in the wake of the economic slowdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Delhi government has also set up help desks in all district offices to assist applicants who face difficulties in the online process. Additionally, a toll-free helpline number has been launched to address queries.
