By In a significant announcement, Andhra Pradesh’s Civil Supplies Minister, Nadendla Manohar, has clarified that there is no deadline for applying for new ration cards or making modifications to existing ones. Emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring food security, the minister stated that the process is continuous, allowing eligible citizens to apply at any time.
Continuous Application Process
Addressing the media in Vijayawada, Minister Manohar highlighted that the issuance and modification of ration cards are ongoing processes. He assured that all eligible individuals would receive rice cards in accordance with government norms. New cards are being issued free of cost within 21 days of application submission, ensuring timely assistance to beneficiaries.
e-KYC Implementation and Progress
Since May 7, the state has been actively updating and modifying rice cards. Andhra Pradesh stands out as the only state to have completed e-KYC for 95% of its ration cardholders, a testament to its efficient implementation of the Centre’s mandate. Over five lakh applications have been received, including 60,000 for new rice cards. The minister acknowledged technical issues, such as server slowdowns due to high application volumes, and assured that officials are working diligently to resolve them.
Simplified Documentation Requirements
In a move to streamline the application process, Minister Manohar announced that marriage certificates or wedding photos are no longer required for modifications. Secretariat staff have been instructed to accept applications without these documents. For adding new names to cards, applications will be reviewed and registered promptly. However, deletions require documentary proof and are currently limited to cases of death.
Inclusive Measures for Vulnerable Groups
The government is also facilitating changes to the head of the family, including for women and transgenders, based on field feedback. Plans are underway to allow e-KYC, Aadhaar seeding, and card surrender through WhatsApp for enhanced convenience. Additionally, ration supplies will continue through shops from June 1, with special provisions for vulnerable groups. The government is also considering delivering ration to elderly and differently-abled individuals at their doorsteps.
In a move that reflects the government’s pro-people approach, Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar recently announced that there will be no deadline for applying for ration cards in Andhra Pradesh. This statement comes as a major relief to thousands of families, especially those in rural and economically weaker sections, who were previously anxious about missing out on food security benefits due to bureaucratic delays or personal hurdles.
The ration card remains a critical document in India—it not only provides subsidized food grains under the Public Distribution System (PDS) but also serves as a valid identity and residence proof for various government schemes. Given its importance, any barrier to accessing a ration card can leave families vulnerable and unsupported.
By removing the timeline for applications, the government has essentially opened up an uninterrupted window of opportunity for all eligible citizens to apply or make corrections to their existing cards. This ensures that seasonal workers, migrant laborers, and other marginalized communities who may not always have immediate access to documentation or information are not left out of the system.
Additionally, this policy removes pressure from both applicants and officials. Without a fixed deadline, citizens are free to apply at a pace that suits their personal circumstances, and government staff can process requests more thoroughly without the burden of last-minute rushes.
Beyond logistics, this announcement sends a powerful message about inclusive governance. The state recognizes that public welfare cannot be a race against a ticking clock—rather, it must be a continual process that adapts to the diverse realities of its people.
Moreover, by keeping the process ongoing, the government also allows for real-time updates to ration cards. Families that experience changes—such as births, deaths, or shifts in income level—can apply for corrections whenever needed. This flexibility will likely improve the accuracy of the database and reduce instances of fraud or duplication.
In a time when many welfare systems are criticized for being rigid or out of touch, this move demonstrates sensitivity to ground realities. It is a welcome step toward building a more responsive, efficient, and humane public service framework that puts people’s needs first.
Conclusion
Minister Nadendla Manohar’s announcement underscores the Andhra Pradesh government’s commitment to ensuring food security and simplifying access to essential services. By removing deadlines and easing documentation requirements, the government aims to make the ration card application process more accessible and efficient for all eligible citizens.
