Delhi Government Proposes Increase in Ration Card Income Limit
Delhi Chief Minister Proposes New Income Ceiling for Ration Cards
On Thursday, Delhi's Chief Minister Rekha Gupta revealed a proposal to elevate the annual income threshold for ration card eligibility from Rs 1.2 lakh to Rs 2.5 lakh. During a press briefing, she emphasized that this initiative aims to assist more financially disadvantaged families in accessing subsidized food through the public distribution system.
Gupta disclosed that the Delhi government had annulled approximately 7.72 lakh 'invalid' ration cards after conducting a thorough verification process. She encouraged residents to apply anew via the online portal. 'Following a comprehensive audit, we eliminated 1.44 lakh beneficiaries who did not meet the income requirements, 35,800 who had not received rations, 29,580 who had passed away, and 23,394 duplicate ration cards,' she stated.
Addressing shortcomings in the previous system, the chief minister noted that no new ration cards had been issued in Delhi for the past 13 years. The proposed adjustment in eligibility criteria is anticipated to broaden access for deserving applicants who were previously overlooked due to the lower income limit. The government is optimistic that the revised threshold will enhance food security benefits for a greater number of low-income households throughout the city.
Gupta confirmed that the proposal to raise the income limit will be submitted for approval at the upcoming Cabinet meeting. If approved, this change could allow thousands of new beneficiaries to apply for ration cards in Delhi.
SOPs for Ration Card Applications
In February, the Delhi government released standard operating procedures (SOPs) for processing new ration cards, mandating that applications be submitted online solely by the head of the household, defined under the Delhi Food Security Rules, 2026, as the eldest female member of the family. The SOPs require applicants to provide Aadhaar cards for all family members, proof of residence in Delhi, a family income certificate from the revenue department, and a copy of an electricity bill in the name of any family member or, if renting, the landlord's details.
If the eldest female member is under 18, the eldest male member may serve as the head of the household until an adult female member is eligible. In the event of the declared female head's death, the eldest female family member over 18 listed on the ration card may apply to be recognized as the new head of the household.