Civil supplies minister Nadendla Manohar showed a model of smart rice card at a press conference in Tenali on Sunday.
Minister of Civil Supply, Food and Consumer Affairs Nadendla Manohar said six types of services related to the new rice card issue have been provided in WhatsApp governance system and can be published from the number -9552300009 by publishing the “Hello” message on May 15.
Speaking to the media at his camp office in Tenali on Sunday, Mr Manohar said that starting from May 8, the above services (new Mika, card department, address changes, addition of members, removal of members and surrender cards) were provided in the wards and rural secretariat and will be launched through WhatsApp for the convenience of beneficiaries. The government will provide Mika for free in June in the form of smart cards.
Mr Manohar said the Election Commission of India (ECI) ordered the suspension of new rice card issuance due to the general election in March 2024, and the process was postponed due to the Supreme Court-ordered EKYC registration. After collecting 95% of the beneficiary’s EKYC details, the problem with the new card was restored.
The minister further stated that the total rice count in the state is 1,46,21,2233, covering about 4,24,59,028 people, while 6,45,765, including children under five and under 80, are not subject to the EKYC specification. All those who successfully complete the EKYC process will receive a new smart ration card for free.
Single, unmarried individuals, over 50 years of age, estranged spouses, orphanage residents and transgender people can apply for rice. Artists who receive social security pensions and members of the 12 tribes living in the mountains will offer special Antyodaya Anna Yojana card.
publishing – May 11, 2025 at 08:08 pm ist
