New Ration Cards to Be Issued in Delhi After 12 Years, Renewed Hope

Ration cardholders in Delhi undergoing verification for new cards after 12 years

With the formation of the new government in Delhi, the hope of issuing new ration cards has been revived. Over the past 12 years, many pending applications for new ration cards have been left unprocessed. However, work on these applications may now begin. Although the total number of ration cards will remain within the pre-determined limit, new cards will be issued to replace the canceled ones.

As per the rules, ration cards should be verified every five years and renewed annually. However, since the Congress government was ousted in 2013, the AAP government never conducted this process. The Food and Supply Department received numerous applications for new ration cards, but they were never processed. According to sources, in the last 12 years, many changes have occurred.

Currently, Over 1.741 Million Ration Card Holders in Delhi

How to Get Your Ration Card Verified?

1. First Option – Ration cardholders can use the ‘Mera Ration’ app for e-verification. If a person holds a ration card in two states, it will be detected, and their name will be removed from the Delhi database.
2. Second Option – Cardholders can undergo biometric verification at POS (Point of Sale) machines available at government ration shops.

Ration shop owners are also responsible for the verification process. It is crucial to complete this process within the given time frame so that new applications can also be considered. However, the government should also address the concerns of ration shop owners and ensure that their commission, which has been pending for seven months, is released soon.

Shiv Kumar Garg, President, Delhi Government Ration Dealers Association, emphasized that the government must address the challenges faced by ration dealers.

Many ration cardholders may have passed away, while others may no longer be eligible due to employment, promotions, or salary increases.

This is why, after the BJP government came into power, the department has initiated the verification process, which is set to be completed by March 31. If necessary, the deadline may be extended. Senior officials stated that ration cardholders could complete verification through different methods from the comfort of their homes.

A senior official mentioned that all ration cardholders in the capital possess biometric-based smart ration cards. However, due to the absence of a verification process since 2013, new ration cards could not be issued. The ongoing verification process will remove the names of deceased cardholders or those who maintain ration cards solely for residential proof.