New Delhi | Special Correspondent: Arun Sharma

In a major relief for thousands of low-income families, the Delhi government under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has taken a humane and forward-looking decision by raising the annual income ceiling for ration card applications to Rs 1.20 lakh. The move is aimed at strengthening food security and ensuring that no deserving household is left hungry due to rigid eligibility norms.


The Chief Minister said the decision reflects the government’s commitment to dignity and inclusion. “Food is not charity, it is a right,” she said, underscoring that the revised policy is designed to reach those who genuinely need support. By expanding the income threshold, the government has widened the safety net for families struggling with rising prices and unstable livelihoods.


Under the new guidelines, eligibility verification will be carried out by district-level committees to ensure transparency and fairness. The process will move away from a mere “first come, first served” approach and instead prioritise families based on actual need, preventing misuse while protecting the interests of the poor.


Officials said the reform will bring many previously excluded households under the public distribution system, offering them assured access to subsidised food grains. Social welfare groups have welcomed the move, calling it a timely intervention at a time when inflation has strained household budgets.


The decision stands as a reflection of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s empathetic leadership, where governance is guided by concern for the most vulnerable. In extending the reach of food security, the Delhi government has sent out a clear message: in the capital, no family will be left to face hunger alone.