Telangana to Start Ration Card Distribution from July 14

New Ration Cards from July 14

CM Revanth Reddy to Launch Scheme in Thungathurthi; Smart Card Option Under Review

Hyderabad: In a major move aimed at benefiting thousands of families, the Telangana government on Sunday announced that the distribution of new ration cards will begin on July 14. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy will formally launch the initiative at a large public event in Thungathurthi constituency, where nearly 2 lakh eligible families will receive their ration cards.

By Naveed Uddin Khan Uzair

This marks the state’s first significant ration card issuance drive in several years. The Civil Supplies Department is finalizing the list of beneficiaries after reviewing applications submitted through various welfare schemes. The selection is being conducted as per the guidelines of a Cabinet sub-committee constituted by the new Congress-led government.

As a major reform, the new ration cards will be issued in the name of the female head of the household, with all family members listed under the same card. Officials are also planning to introduce smart ration cards — compact, ATM-sized cards — to simplify access to subsidized food grains at any fair price shop across the state.

The initiative is part of the larger Praja Palana campaign, under which the state had invited applications for multiple welfare programs, including 200 units of free electricity, ₹500 LPG cylinders, and ₹2,000 monthly support for women. A significant number of families had simultaneously applied for new ration cards during this drive.

Following the CM’s formal launch, ration cards will be distributed in all districts under the supervision of local ministers. The Civil Supplies Department has also developed several design prototypes for the smart cards, currently awaiting the final nod from the government.

This initiative is expected to streamline welfare distribution and enhance transparency and efficiency in the public distribution system.