Delhi Government Expands Food Security Coverage with Higher Income Limit
The Delhi government has taken a significant step to bring more low-income families under the food security umbrella. Officials announced on Saturday that the annual family income cap for obtaining ration cards has been raised from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.20 lakh. This decision aims to extend food security coverage to thousands of additional households in the capital.
Key Changes in Ration Card Eligibility Process
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta chaired a Cabinet meeting where several important decisions were finalized. The government is implementing a more rigorous verification process to ensure that only genuinely eligible families receive benefits.
Income certificates from the Revenue department are now mandatory, replacing the previous self-certification system. This change aims to prevent ineligible applicants from exploiting the food security system.
The government has also discontinued the first-come, first-serve approach for ration card applications. Instead, district-level committees will examine, approve, and prioritize applications based on need.
New Priority System Through District Committees
Each district-level committee will be chaired by the District Magistrate or Additional District Magistrate. The committee will include the local MLA and other relevant officials. Their primary responsibility will be to scrutinize applications and arrange them in order of priority.
This system ensures that the most deserving families receive benefits first. Additionally, a 20% waiting list will be maintained to fill vacancies promptly as they occur.
Verification Uncovers Significant Irregularities
The government conducted a thorough review of the existing food security system data. This verification revealed numerous irregularities that had accumulated over years due to unclear rules.
According to data from the CM's Office, approximately 10% of current beneficiaries (about 6.52 lakh people) were found ineligible for free ration under the Public Distribution System. The review uncovered several specific issues:
- 96,000 beneficiaries own private cars
- 95,682 individuals remained in the system without availing benefits
- 23,394 duplicate names were identified
- 6,185 cases showed benefits recorded in names of deceased persons
- 56,372 people voluntarily opted out of the system
These findings created over 8.27 lakh vacancies in the system. These slots will now be filled by families who have been waiting for ration cards or food security coverage for years.
Exclusion Criteria for Ration Card Eligibility
The new rules establish clear exclusion criteria to prevent misuse. Families will not be eligible for ration cards if they meet any of these conditions:
- Own property in A to E category colonies (upscale localities in Delhi)
- Pay income tax
- Own a four-wheeler (excluding one commercial vehicle used for livelihood)
- Have any family member in government service
- Have an electricity connection exceeding 2 kilowatts
Addressing the Backlog and Future Plans
Official data indicates that more than 11.65 lakh people are still waiting for food security benefits in Delhi. Additionally, over 3.89 lakh ration card applications remain pending.
Chief Minister Gupta emphasized that the government is committed to resolving this backlog through transparent processes. Those who are eligible will now be included in a transparent, need-based system, she stated.
The CM described the new policy as not merely a document of rules, but a guarantee of dignity, transparency, and trust for Delhi's most vulnerable sections. The government aims to ensure that no needy person goes hungry while making the public distribution system more fair and accessible.
Gupta concluded by affirming the government's commitment to the principle of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas (Together with all, Development for all, Trust of all) in implementing these food security reforms.
