Ration Card 2026: 7.71 Lakh New Slots Open, Check Eligibility Here

Ration Card: Big news for common people. Delhi’s Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on Thursday (May 21) that the Delhi government has annulled over seven lakh ration cards, and the income threshold for new ration card applications will be increased to Rs 2.5 lakh annually. Gupta informed reporters that approximately 7.72 lakh invalid ration cards have been cancelled, and new applications are now being accepted online. She noted that no new ration cards have been issued in Delhi for the past 13 years.

The Chief Minister stated, “Following a detailed audit, the government eliminated 1.44 lakh beneficiaries who exceeded the income limit, 35,800 beneficiaries who had not collected rations, 29,580 beneficiaries who were deceased, and 23,394 duplicate ration cards were identified.” The current income limit for qualifying for a ration card in Delhi stands at Rs 1.2 lakh per year.

Gupta explained that this adjustment aims to assist the greatest number of individuals in need. He mentioned that the proposal to raise the income limit will be presented for approval in the upcoming cabinet meeting. Additionally, a post from the CMO’s X handle quoting CM Rekha Gupta stated, “For the past 13 years, the residents of Delhi, including countless impoverished individuals, have not had the chance to apply for new ration cards. We have initiated the process of issuing new ration cards. Initially, we conducted a thorough audit of the ration system.”

The CM further elaborated, “There were around 1 lakh 44 thousand individuals who surpassed the income limit and 35,800 individuals who had not claimed rations for a year. This indicates they did not require rations. The names of numerous ration card holders remained on the list even after their passing. There were also many duplicate cases. After addressing all these issues, over 7.71 lakh vacancies have been created.

Who qualifies for an NFS card?

According to the guidelines set forth by the NFS Act of 2013, the following criteria determine eligibility for obtaining an NFS card:-

1. Individuals residing in slums

2. Residents of resettlement colonies categorized as F, G, and H

3. Individuals living in designated population areas in villages

4. Those without shelter

5. Transgender individuals

6. Households with persons with disabilities (as defined by the Persons with Disabilities Act of 1955) who must provide the necessary medical certificate.

7. Single women (including widows, unmarried, separated, and abandoned women) who are either dependents or heads of the household.

8. Children lacking protection.

9. Unskilled occupationally vulnerable groups, such as rag-pickers, are eligible to apply. This includes unskilled construction workers, porters, casual daily wage laborers, casual domestic workers, cycle rickshaw drivers, and unskilled workers in small household enterprises and cottage industries.

Who can be the Head of Family (HoF) for the NFS card?

The eldest female member of the family who is 18 years or older.

If there is no female member over 18 years of age, who can be the HoF?

A large male member.

How can one apply through the online portal?

You can apply online via the e-District portal at https://www.edistrict.delhigovt.nic.in. First, register on the portal and follow the provided instructions. Make sure to upload the necessary documents and submit your application. Alternatively, you can apply using Mobile Sahayak or visit the appropriate Circle Office with the completed form and required documents.

Documents Needed

1. Aadhar card of all the family members.

2. Passport size photo of the Head of the Family (HoF).

3. Electricity bill (latest).

4. Residence certificate, if it is different from the address given on the Aadhaar card of the head of the family.