Nearly 3 Crore More Ration Cards Can Be Issued to Eligible Beneficiaries, Says Pralhad Joshi

Union Food and Public Distribution Minister Pralhad Joshi has said that nearly three crore more ration cards can be issued across the country to eligible individuals who are yet to be covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).

The minister's remarks highlight the Centre's ongoing efforts to ensure that all deserving beneficiaries receive access to subsidised food grains under one of the world's largest food security programmes.

Millions Yet to Be Covered

Speaking about the implementation of food welfare schemes, Joshi noted that a significant number of eligible people remain outside the NFSA coverage despite qualifying for benefits.

According to the minister, states and Union Territories have been encouraged to identify and include such beneficiaries so that they can avail themselves of subsidised food grains through the Public Distribution System (PDS).

The Centre believes that approximately three crore additional ration cards can still be issued if eligible households are properly identified and enrolled.

Focus on Food Security

The National Food Security Act aims to provide affordable food grains to vulnerable sections of society through a network of fair-price shops across the country.

Under the scheme, eligible beneficiaries receive rice, wheat, and coarse grains at highly subsidised rates.

The programme has become a critical pillar of India's food security framework, particularly for low-income families and economically weaker sections.

Role of States

The Union minister emphasized that the identification of beneficiaries is primarily the responsibility of state governments.

States are expected to review their beneficiary lists periodically and ensure that deserving families are not excluded from welfare schemes.

Officials have been asked to undertake verification exercises and update records to accommodate eligible households that may have been left out due to demographic changes or outdated data.

Technology-Driven Reforms

The government has introduced several technology-driven reforms to improve transparency and efficiency in ration distribution.

These include:

• Aadhaar-based authentication.

• Digitisation of ration cards.

• Online beneficiary databases.

• Portability through the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme.

• Electronic Point of Sale (ePoS) devices at fair-price shops.

These measures are aimed at reducing leakages and ensuring benefits reach intended recipients.

One Nation One Ration Card Initiative

Joshi also highlighted the success of the One Nation One Ration Card scheme, which allows beneficiaries to access food grains from any fair-price shop across the country.

The initiative has particularly benefited migrant workers who frequently move between states for employment.

Officials say the scheme has improved access to food security benefits while enhancing portability and convenience for beneficiaries.

Strengthening Welfare Delivery

The Centre has repeatedly stressed the importance of ensuring that no eligible person is denied food assistance.

With India's population continuing to grow, policymakers have acknowledged the need to regularly reassess beneficiary coverage and address gaps in welfare delivery.

The possibility of issuing nearly three crore additional ration cards is being seen as a significant opportunity to expand the reach of food security programmes.

Looking Ahead

As states undertake beneficiary verification and identification exercises, the government expects more eligible households to be brought under the NFSA framework.

The move could provide food security support to millions of additional citizens and strengthen India's efforts to combat hunger and economic vulnerability.

For now, the focus remains on ensuring that every eligible family receives the benefits to which it is entitled under the country's extensive public welfare system.