In a major revamp of the capital’s public distribution system, the Delhi government has notified the Delhi Food Security Rules, 2026, raising the annual family income eligibility for ration card holders from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.2 lakh. The new rules, framed under the National Food Security Act, 2013, also introduce digital-only applications, stricter screening, and a time-bound grievance redressal mechanism, aimed at refining the beneficiary base, plugging leakages, and enhancing accountability in the delivery of subsidised food grains.Applicants for new ration cards must submit a family income certificate issued by the Delhi Revenue Department along with Aadhaar details of all family members, proof of residence, existing ration card information, and a self-declaration confirming that the household does not fall under exclusion criteria.Households will be ineligible if any member owns property in A to E category colonies, pays income tax, owns a four-wheeler (except one commercial vehicle used for livelihood), has electricity above 2 kilowatts, is employed in government or government-linked institutions, or already receives food subsidies under another central or state scheme.Under the new rules, the eldest woman in a household will be treated as its head, and if she is under 18, the eldest male member will act as head until she becomes an adult.To scrutinise applications, each district will have a committee chaired by the district magistrate and including two MLAs, a sub-divisional magistrate, and the assistant commissioner (food and supplies) as member-secretary. Ration cards will be distributed district-wise based on voter population, with a 20% waiting list over the sanctioned vacancies.A two-tier grievance redressal system has been established: urgent complaints—like non-opening of fair price shops or under-weighing of supplies—must be resolved within two to 24 hours, while other complaints are to be addressed within 15 days. Unresolved issues can be escalated to the district grievance redressal officer with a further appeal possible before the State Food Commission within 30 days.The rules also mandate vigilance committees at state, district, circle, and fair price shop levels, with mandatory representation from scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.“These rules will strengthen transparency, accountability, and timely grievance disposal in Delhi’s public distribution system,” a government official said, highlighting the reform as a step towards a more efficient and inclusive food security mechanism.
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