Delhi CM Rekha Gupta raises the ration card income limit to ₹2.5 lakh. Over 7.7 lakh invalid cards cancelled; new digital applications are now open for residents.
In a move set to benefit thousands of low and middle-income families, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on Thursday that the government is increasing the annual income eligibility limit for ration card issuance from the current ₹1.2 lakh to ₹2.5 lakh. This significant policy shift is designed to expand the reach of the Public Distribution System (PDS) and ensure that more households facing the brunt of rising living costs receive essential food security benefits.
Addressing a press conference, the Chief Minister confirmed that the proposal has been discussed and will soon be placed before the Cabinet for formal approval. This initiative follows a massive clean-up of the beneficiary database, aimed at ensuring that subsidies reach only those who are truly in need.
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Over 7.7 Lakh Invalid Ration Cards Cancelled
During an extensive year-long audit, the Delhi government identified and cancelled approximately 7.72 lakh ration card holders who were found to be ineligible. The audit revealed a systemic need for reform, with findings showing:
- 1.44 lakh beneficiaries failing to meet the updated income criteria.
- 35,800 individuals who had stopped collecting their rations.
- 29,580 records belonging to deceased persons.
- 23,394 cases of duplicate cards being issued.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasized that no new ration card had been issued in the national capital for over 13 years, leaving many eligible families excluded from the system. The current government’s audit is part of a broader commitment to restore transparency and efficiency in the distribution of food grains.
New Digital Application Process
To modernize the system and prevent future irregularities, the government has transitioned to a fully digital platform. Starting May 15, residents can apply for a ration card through the official online portal. The new process replaces the previous self-declaration system, which officials noted was prone to manipulation.
Applicants are now encouraged to apply via the portal, ensuring that the entire lifecycle—from application to receipt of food grains—is tracked digitally. By streamlining these administrative hurdles, the government aims to empower eligible citizens who have struggled for over a decade to secure their entitlements.
As Delhi continues to refine its welfare policies, the increase in the income cap to ₹2.5 lakh is expected to serve as a vital lifeline for struggling households, marking a historic turnaround for the capital’s public distribution landscape.
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