Hyderabad: Telangana will begin distributing 1.05 crore newly sanctioned laminated public distribution system (PDS) ration cards from Aug 15, with chief minister A Revanth Reddy set to launch the statewide programme in Sangareddy on Independence Day, Civil Supplies minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy said in a statement on Thursday.The distribution will be carried out simultaneously across all 119 assembly constituencies between 2 pm and 4 pm on Aug 15 as part of an initiative to strengthen food security for eligible poor families.Uttam said the programme aims to ensure that every newly eligible family receives the benefits of the public distribution system and other welfare schemes linked to ration cards.He said revenue divisional officers have been entrusted with coordinating the programme in their respective constituencies, while district administrations have been directed to complete all preparations ahead of the launch.The arrangements include finalising beneficiary lists, printing and transporting ration cards, identifying distribution centres, and ensuring basic amenities for beneficiaries. Officials have also been asked to make arrangements for media coverage, photography and videography.In view of the official Independence Day programmes, ration cards will be distributed between 2 pm and 4 pm on Aug 15, the minister said.He said the initiative is aimed at expanding food security coverage by extending the benefits of the public distribution system to every newly eligible family. The programme is intended to strengthen welfare delivery and ensure that eligible families receive food security benefits without delay.
