■ Currently, Andhra Pradesh has 1.48 crore ration cards in circulation

■ Government received 70,000 applications from newlywed couples for cards

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

The Andhra Pradesh government is set to revamp the ration card system by issuing new, technologically enhanced cards to newlywed couples and facilitating updates to existing family records through an online portal. The new cards will feature a sleek, credit card-like design with QR codes for easy access to family details. This initiative aims to modernize the ration distribution system and rectify delays and inefficiencies that have plagued the process in recent years.

Currently, Andhra Pradesh has 1.48 crore ration cards in circulation. The government has already received over 70,000 applications from newlywed couples for new cards. Officials project that the total number of new cards, including those issued for family changes and additions, will exceed 2 lakh. This will bring the total number of ration cards in the state to approximately 1.50 crores.

The new ration cards mark a significant departure from the previous format, which featured the image of former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy. The updated design, which closely resembles a credit card, will include a QR code that provides access to detailed family information when scanned. This QR code will streamline verification processes and make the cards more user-friendly. The final design is pending approval by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.

The government initially planned to launch the new ration cards in December 2024, with distribution scheduled for the Sankranti festival. However, the rollout was delayed due to the revenue department's focus on resolving revenue disputes and the ongoing paddy procurement process. Officials have assured that the distribution process will now proceed without further delays.

“During the tenure of the previous YSRCP government, significant delays and irregularities in the ration card system caused inconvenience to thousands of beneficiaries. Promises of immediate issuance for newlywed couples often went unfulfilled, with some applicants waiting for over a year to receive their cards. Additionally, the suspension of online applications made it nearly impossible for families to update or add members, thereby restricting their access to essential government schemes,” said Minister Nadendla Manohar.

The new system aims to address these issues comprehensively. The introduction of an online portal will allow families to make changes or additions to their ration card records from the comfort of their homes. This initiative is expected to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and expedite the issuance process for newlyweds and families seeking updates.

The QR code-enabled ration cards represent a significant step toward digitizing and modernizing public welfare systems in Andhra Pradesh. By ensuring faster issuance and easier access to government schemes, the initiative is expected to benefit thousands of families across the state.

Officials have emphasized that the government's commitment to delivering essential services efficiently remains unwavering, with this initiative serving as a cornerstone of their efforts to improve public welfare administration.