Smart ration cards for 3.43 crore beneficiaries from August 15; Revanth to launch rollout in Sangareddy

The Government of Telangana will roll out smart ration cards to 3.43 crore beneficiaries beginning August 15, with Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy set to formally launch the initiative at an event in Sangareddy. Speaking to officials at a meeting on Tuesday, Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy confirmed the nationwide distribution would occur on Independence Day at all 33 district headquarters.

Currently, 1.06 crore food security cards provide eligible recipients with six kilograms of free rice each month. The minister explained that the introduction of smart cards aims to improve transparency, efficiency, and convenience in the public distribution system. Since January 26, 2025, the government has issued 16.32 lakh new food security cards, expanding coverage to over 61 lakh beneficiaries.

The state annually spends approximately ₹14,000 crore on ration rice and up to ₹20,000 crore on paddy procurement from farmers. Civil Supplies Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy directed officials to ensure comprehensive preparations for the Sangareddy event, including transport, seating, security, and the distribution of the new smart cards.