Suryapet: Minister for irrigation and civil supplies N. Uttam Kumar Reddy announced on Sunday that the Congress government will issue over 40 lakh new ration cards, ending a decade-long wait for eligible families. The issuance will begin on January 26, fulfilling a key election promise.
During his district visit, the minister inspected arrangements for the Janpahad Dargah Urs-e-Shareef and the Janpahad Lift Irrigation Scheme. He criticised the previous BRS government for not issuing new ration cards during its 10-year rule and reaffirmed the Congress government’s commitment to continuous issuance for all eligible families. Once completed, rice from fine paddy varieties will be provided to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families under the Public Distribution System (PDS).
He encouraged residents to reapply for new ration cards and other welfare schemes, such as Indiramma Houses, Atmeeya Bharosa, and Rythu Bharosa, during gram sabhas starting January 21 if their names are missing from earlier lists.
Reviewing the Jawahar Janpahad Lift Irrigation Scheme, Reddy noted that Rs 173 crore had been allocated to irrigate 5,650 acres across 10 villages, with 34 acres acquired for pump houses. He also directed officials to expedite the Jetti Thanda Lift Irrigation Scheme and submit a report on land acquisition to district collector Tejas Nandlal Pawar.
The minister added that Rs 1.3 crore was sanctioned for this year’s Janpahad Dargah Urs-e-Shareef, which attracts lakhs of devotees from across the country. Telangana State Waqf Board chairman Syed Azmatullah Hussaini, the district collector, and other officials were present during the visit.
