Fri Apr 04 05:40:00 UTC 2025: **Andhra Pradesh to Launch New QR-Enabled Ration Cards in May**
AMARAVATI, April 2, 2025 – The Andhra Pradesh government will introduce new ATM-sized ration cards equipped with QR codes and enhanced security features starting May, Civil Supplies Minister Nadeendla Manohar announced today. The new cards will replace existing ones following the completion of the e-KYC process by April 30th.
The new ration cards will offer options for adding, removing, or splitting family members, streamlining the process of managing household rations. Minister Manohar clarified that, unlike previous cards, the new cards will not feature individual photographs. The exact number of cards to be issued will be determined after the completion of the e-KYC process.
In addition to the new ration cards, Minister Manohar highlighted several other initiatives:
* **Rice Procurement:** The government aims to procure 1 million tons of paddy during the Rabi season, utilizing 2,900 farmer support centers. Payments to farmers are being credited within 24 hours, with ₹8279 crore already disbursed for the Kharif season. A WhatsApp-based system allows farmers to sell their produce directly to mills, with 16,000 farmers already utilizing the service. The Minister claimed significantly increased paddy procurement compared to the previous government.
* **Midday Meals:** High-quality parboiled rice will be supplied to 44,394 government schools and 3,938 hostels starting in the upcoming academic year. Five new warehouses have been established for this purpose.
* **Deepa-2 Scheme:** The second phase of the Deepa-2 scheme has commenced, aiming to benefit over 1 crore beneficiaries. ₹760 crore has already been directly transferred to beneficiaries’ accounts in the first phase. The government reported an additional 200,000 gas connections registered in the last three months. Support is being provided via WhatsApp and online channels to address any e-KYC-related issues.
* **Crackdown on irregularities:** The government is taking strict action against illegal transportation of ration rice, including seizing vehicles and imposing penalties under the PD Act. An investigation is underway into alleged irregularities in the purchase of MDV vehicles by the previous government.
Minister Manohar also mentioned that the easing of rice export regulations by the central government has enabled Telangana to export 1.5 lakh tons of rice through Kakinada port. He criticized the previous government for its handling of paddy procurement and midday meal schemes.
First Piper 