Delhi Chief Minister on Thursday announced that the process of issuing new ration cards has resumed on a large scale from May 15, ending a wait of nearly 13 years.
Addressing a press conference, Gupta said the government had cancelled around 7.72 lakh “invalid” ration cards, and invited fresh online applications.
In Delhi, no ration cards were issued in the last 13 years, Gupta said.
“After an intensive audit, the government removed 1.44 lakh beneficiaries not fulfilling the income criterion, 35,800 who did not receive ration, 29,580 who died, while 23,394 ration cards were found to be duplicates,” she said.
“Delhi Government is implementing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Antyodaya vision to ensure that welfare benefits reach those who genuinely need them the most,” she further noted.
What is the income eligibility limit for ration cards, now?
Chief Minister said the annual family income eligibility limit for has already been increased from ₹1 lakh to ₹1.20 lakh under the Delhi Food Security Rules, 2026, with the objective of bringing more poor and middle-class families under the welfare net.
How much it is likely to be increased?
She added that the government is considering raising the limit further to ₹2.50 lakh. Discussions at the Cabinet level have been positive, and a final decision is expected soon.
How to apply for new ration cards?
All ration card-related services, including fresh applications and addition or deletion of family members, have now been shifted online. Citizens can apply either from home or through nearby facilitation centres.
Online applications for new ration cards and for adding family members have been reopened on the e-District portal from May 15.
Earlier applications that were pending have also been returned to applicants through their login accounts, allowing them to update the details and resubmit the forms along with a valid family income certificate and other necessary documents.
What documents are required for verification?
Under the revised framework, applicants must now submit Aadhaar cards, proof of residence, the latest income certificate, and Aadhaar details of all family members.
Earlier, family income details were largely accepted based on self-declarations, which allowed some ineligible individuals to enter the system while genuine beneficiaries were often excluded.
“For 13 years, the rights of ‘s poor remained effectively locked away. Previous governments turned the ration system into a vehicle for politics and corruption. The process of issuing new ration cards had virtually come to a standstill, depriving lakhs of deserving families of their rightful benefits. Our government is committed to replacing that system with a transparent and people-centric mechanism so that every eligible person receives their entitlement with dignity,” Minister said.
(With inputs from ANI and PTI)