New Delhi, May 26: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday announced a major expansion of the capital’s free ration scheme, stating that families with an annual income of up to ₹2.5 lakh will now be eligible for benefits under the Public Distribution System (PDS).
The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
According to the Delhi government, the income eligibility limit for Economically Weaker Section (EWS) ration cards has been increased from ₹1.20 lakh to ₹2.5 lakh annually, significantly widening the number of beneficiaries covered under the scheme.
Sharing the update on social media platform X, Rekha Gupta said the move aims to ensure greater support for economically weaker families in Delhi.
Officials said the revised income criteria will enable thousands of additional low-income households to access subsidised food grains and ration support through the government’s welfare network.
The Delhi government also announced that the ration distribution process will gradually move to a CBDC-based system aimed at improving transparency, efficiency and ease of delivery.
Under the new mechanism, ration-related benefits are expected to directly reach eligible beneficiaries with reduced leakages and faster processing.
The government said the reforms are part of its broader effort to strengthen welfare delivery systems and ensure that benefits reach deserving families in a transparent and technology-driven manner.
