Delhi plans smart ration cards with QR codes, CM announces weekly camps to fix issues

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday directed officials to roll out new smart ration cards featuring QR codes and upgraded digital capabilities to make the system more transparent, while also announcing weekly grievance camps from May 1 to resolve ration card issues.

According to the official statement, CM Gupta chaired a comprehensive review meeting of the Food, Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, assessing its functioning, scheme implementation, technological upgrades and key public service concerns.

The review also covered the department’s current performance, achievements, challenges and its forward strategy.

In a key directive, the CM announced that ‘Jan Shikayat Samadhan Camps’ will be held every Saturday starting May 1, from 9 AM to 11 AM, at all designated centres.

“These camps will be conducted in the presence of Assistant Commissioners to ensure accountability, and all pending ration card-related grievances will be resolved on the spot,” the official statement read.

The statement read that the CM will carry out surprise inspections at select camps to verify whether complaints are being addressed properly.

“Officials have also been asked to use these camps to raise awareness about the ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ scheme, with clear communication that beneficiaries can draw ration from only one location at a time,” the statement read.

To further enhance transparency, the CM proposed setting up a special committee to oversee the selection of new beneficiaries through a fair eligibility verification process, the statement read.

The CM further directed that fresh applications be invited at the earliest so that no eligible person is left out. Expressing strong displeasure over irregularities such as under-weighing, delays and unauthorised deductions in ration distribution, the CM ordered strict accountability across the supply chain, according to the statement.

“CM directed that clear responsibility be fixed on both dealers and suppliers, with stringent action against those found guilty,” according to the statement.

Further, it read that the CM also emphasised the need to standardise all 1,943 public distribution system (PDS) shops, directing that uniform information boards be installed, hygiene maintained, and service quality improved.

To strengthen the financial viability of these outlets, the CM noted that, under a July 2025 order, PDS shops have been permitted to sell household and daily-use items through public sector undertakings (PSUs), the statement read.

The meeting also reviewed the progress of the Free LPG Scheme.

“Of the 15,47,595 eligible beneficiaries, 12,39,465 are currently availing of the scheme. CM directed that all remaining eligible families be covered by Diwali,” the statement read.

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The CM also called for a special registration drive to expand Ujjwala connections, with data sharing between departments and oil companies, and the setting up of Aadhaar centres at district offices to ensure 100 per cent e-KYC, the statement read.

Reiterating the government’s approach, the CM said the focus is not merely on running schemes, but on ensuring that benefits reach every eligible person efficiently, transparently and with dignity.