New Ration Card Applications Open Today in Andhra Pradesh

Starting December 2, applications for sanctioning ration cards and pensions under the NTR Bharosa Scheme will be accepted at all secretariats across the Andhra Pradesh state. Applicants seeking a ration card or pension should submit their applications at the designated ward secretariat offices. The government has already increased the pension amount from Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000 per month, established Anna Canteens, and implemented a scheme providing three free LPG cylinders annually.

In addition, the process for issuing new ration cards is now underway. The government will provide ration cards to all eligible individuals, allowing those without cards to apply. Applications for modifications to existing ration cards, including the addition or deletion of names, will also be accepted. The government anticipates issuing approximately 150,000 new ration cards and pensions to eligible recipients, with the issuance process expected to begin in January. Newly married couples are encouraged to apply for ration cards as well, as these cards are integral to accessing various welfare schemes.

Currently, there are 1.48 crore ration cards in the AP state. Under the YSRCP government, ration cards featured the image of former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, while the TDP government has opted to print the government emblem on new cards. Cardholders benefit from provisions such as rice, sugar, red gram, sunflower oil, and three complimentary gas cylinders. The coalition government is implementing these schemes with the government emblem and plans to revise the ration card design accordingly.