Rice card services through WhatsApp from May 15 in Andhra Pradesh
Civil Supplies, Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Nadendla Manohar has said that six types of services related to the issue of new rice cards have been made available in the WhatsApp Governance system, and these can be availed from May 15 by posting a 'Hello' message on the number — 9552300009.
Addressing the media at his camp office in Tenali on Sunday, Mr. Manohar said the above services (issue of new rice cards, card division, address change, adding members, removing members, and surrendering cards) were being offered at the Ward and Village Secretariats from May 8, and they would be rolled out through WhatsApp for the convenience of the beneficiaries. The government took steps to provide rice cards free of cost in the form of smart cards in June.
Mr. Manohar said the Election Commission of India (ECI) had ordered in March 2024 the suspension of the issue of new rice cards due to the general elections and, subsequently, the process had been delayed due to the Supreme Court-ordered eKYC registration. The issue of new cards resumed later following completion of 95% of collecting the eKYC details of the beneficiaries.
The Minister further said the total number of rice cards in the State stood at 1,46,21,223, covering around 4,24,59,028 individuals, and that 6,45,765 people, including children aged below five and individuals older than 80, were exempted from complying with the eKYC norm. All those who successfully complete the eKYC process would be given new smart ration cards for free.
Single individuals, unmarried individuals aged more than 50, separated spouses, and residents of orphanages, and transgenders, could apply for rice cards. Artists receiving social security pensions and members of 12 tribes residing in hill areas would be provided Special Antyodaya Anna Yojana cards.
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