{
  "id": 19761352,
  "title": "Bihar government issues ration cards to nearly 24 lakh new beneficiaries",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/13/bihar-government-issues-ration-cards-to-nearly-24-lakh-new",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-13T05:30:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bihar/bihar-government-issues-ration-cards-to-nearly-24-lakh-new-beneficiaries/article71693893.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Bihar government issued ration cards to 23.75 lakh new beneficiaries on November 12, 2026, as part of its welfare scheme for poor families. Alongside, it granted licenses for 1,448 new Public Distribution System (PDS) shops. With a total of 2.09 crore ration card holders, 8.48 crore people are currently benefiting from the scheme. Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, leading the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in Bihar, aimed to add one crore new ration card holders in the current financial year. During a function at Gyan Bhawan in Patna, Mr. Choudhary emphasized the state's commitment to ensuring no poor person goes hungry and every eligible family receives government benefits. The government is determined to realize the vision of a developed India and a prosperous Bihar. Beneficiaries, including those aged 75 and above, will soon receive ration grains delivered directly to their homes. The state government is also providing free electricity, enrolling poor families under the 'Ayushman Bharat' scheme, and implementing several welfare schemes. Mr. Choudhary directed officials to identify and include eligible individuals who lack a ration card under the 'Seva Sankalp evam Kayakalp Abhiyan' projects valued at ₹22,000 crore, focusing on rural development and creating job opportunities for Bihar's youth.",
  "summary": "Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has set the target to add one crore new ration card holders this financial year",
  "key_points": [
    "Bihar government issued ration cards to 23.75 lakh new beneficiaries on November 12, 2026.",
    "1,448 new Public Distribution System (PDS) shops granted licenses.",
    "Aim to add one crore new ration card holders in current financial year."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Expanding the Public Distribution System through mass card issuance and new shop licenses accelerates the state's effort to integrate millions of impoverished families into its broader welfare and food security framework.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}