Ration Card: A major change has been made to the ration card rules in Delhi, sparking heated debate in the capital. The Delhi government has implemented new rules by notifying the Delhi Food Security Rules, 2026, to make the Public Distribution System (PDS) more transparent, equitable, and deliver affordable rations to those in need.
Under these new rules, significant changes have been made to the eligibility criteria for ration cards. Furthermore, applications will now be processed entirely digitally, freeing people from cumbersome procedures. The new system aims to prioritize those in need by eliminating fraudulent beneficiaries.
Due to these changes, many people will no longer be considered eligible for ration cards and will not receive the benefits. The seven main in-eligibility categories associated with these rules are as follows.
Families with an annual income exceeding Rs 1.2 lakh
These families will be excluded from subsidized rations, as the primary purpose of ration cards is to provide assistance to economically weaker sections.
People having private property in A to E category colonies
If an individual or their family owns a permanent house or flat in a category A, B, C, D, or E colony in Delhi, they will not be considered needy. The government believes such individuals are financially stable.
Families paying income tax
Families with any member paying income tax are considered to have income above a certain threshold. Such families will no longer be eligible for ration cards.
Families having four-wheelers
If a family owns a car or other four-wheeled vehicle, this will be considered an indication of economic capability. However, exemptions may be granted under certain circumstances, such as special vehicles for disabled individuals.
Households with electricity connections exceeding 2 kilowatts
Households with electricity connections exceeding 2 kilowatts will be considered to be in a relatively high-income group. Therefore, such families may be excluded from eligibility for subsidized rations.
If any member of the family is a permanent employee in the Central/State Government, Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) or a government-aided organization, he/she will be considered to have regular income and may be excluded from the eligibility for a ration card.
Families already availing benefits of other food subsidy schemes
Families already availing benefits of any other central or state government food subsidy scheme may be denied a new ration card to prevent duplication of benefits. This is aimed at ensuring equitable distribution of benefits.
How to apply for ration card?
- First of all you have to visit the official website of Delhi Government
- There, go to the Citizen’s Corner section and select the Apply Online for Food Security option.
- After this enter your mobile number and complete the login or registration through OTP.
- After filling and submitting the form, you will get an application number, using which you can track the status of your application anytime.
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