Smart ration cards for 3.43 crore beneficiaries from August 15; Revanth to launch rollout in Sangareddy
The State government will launch the distribution of smart ration cards to 3.43 crore beneficiaries across the State from August 15, with Chief Minister A
The State government will launch the distribution of smart ration cards to 3.43 crore beneficiaries across the State from August 15, with Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy formally inaugurating the programme at a State-level event in Sangareddy. Addressing the officials at a meeting regarding the arrangements for the programme on Tuesday with Civil Supplies Commissioner Stephen Ravindra, Civil Supplies Corporation Director Rohit Singh and other senior officials, Civil Supplies Minister N.
Uttam Kumar Reddy said smart ration card distribution would be undertaken simultaneously in all 33 district headquarters on Independence Day. The Minister said 3.43 crore people are currently covered under the food security programme through 1.06 crore food security cards. Eligible beneficiaries receive six kilogram of fine rice free of cost every month, he noted. According to Mr. Uttam Kumar Reddy, the introduction of smart ration cards is aimed at enhancing transparency, efficiency and beneficiary convenience in the public distribution system.
He said the government has issued 16.32 lakh new food security cards since January 26, 2025, extending food security coverage to over 61 lakh beneficiaries. Highlighting the scale of the programme, the Minister said the State spends around ₹ 14,000 crore annually on ration rice and up to ₹ 20,000 crore on procurement of paddy from farmers. He directed officials to make elaborate arrangements for the Sangareddy event, including beneficiary transportation, seating, security and card distribution.
Officials were also instructed to ensure beneficiary verification and maintain transparency in the State-wide distribution process. “The objective of smart ration cards is to deliver this large-scale welfare programme to beneficiaries in a more transparent and efficient manner,” Mr. Uttam Kumar Reddy said.
The BriefWire