Government Removes 1.17 Crore Names from Ration Card List: Getting free ration every month is a lifeline for millions of poor families in India. But what happens if this facility suddenly stops? Recently, the Central Government has taken a major decision under which 1.17 crore names are being removed from the ration card list. The big question is – is your name on the list too? Let’s understand in detail.
What Happened Recently?
For the first time, the Central Government has prepared a list of ration card holders who are not eligible for this scheme. This list has already been sent to the states, which have been directed to verify and delete the ineligible names by 30th September 2025.
Deadline for States
The government has issued strict instructions to all states: verify the list immediately and if people are found ineligible, remove their names. The final deadline is September 30, 2025. The main aim is clear — free ration should reach only genuine poor families, not those who misuse the scheme.
How Many Beneficiaries Are There in India?
Under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), over 19 crore ration cards have been issued so far. More than 80 crore beneficiaries are currently availing the free ration scheme. However, the rules clearly say:
Owners of four-wheeler vehicles are not eligible.
Government employees are not eligible.
Income taxpayers are not eligible.
Families with annual income above ₹1 lakh are not eligible.
Food Secretary’s Strict Orders
On 8th July 2025, Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra sent a letter clarifying that this step is to bring transparency. Data from CBDT, CBIC, MCA, MoRTH and PM-Kisan has been cross-verified to identify ineligible beneficiaries. The government has made it mandatory to complete this exercise by September 30, so that free ration can reach the right families without delay.
Ration Cards Cancelled Earlier Too
This is not the first time such action is being taken. Between 2021 and 2023, over 1.34 crore fake and ineligible ration cards were cancelled. At present, under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, free food grains are being provided only to eligible poor families.A Common Family’s Struggle
Imagine a poor family where the father works as a daily wage laborer, the mother does small household work, and the children are studying in school. They often sleep hungry if the free ration doesn’t reach them. For such families, this scheme is nothing less than a lifeline. But when a financially capable family wrongfully avails the benefits, genuine poor families are deprived. This is why the government has become stricter this time.
What To Do If Your Name Is on the List?
If you suspect your name has been removed from the ration card list, don’t delay. Visit your nearest Public Distribution Office (PDS) and get it verified. If your name has been wrongly removed, you can apply for correction by submitting the required documents.
A Common Family’s Struggle
Imagine a poor family where the father works as a daily wage laborer, the mother does small household work, and the children are studying in school. They often sleep hungry if the free ration doesn’t reach them. For such families, this scheme is nothing less than a lifeline. But when a financially capable family wrongfully avails the benefits, genuine poor families are deprived. This is why the government has become stricter this time.
What To Do If Your Name Is on the List?
If you suspect your name has been removed from the ration card list, don’t delay. Visit your nearest Public Distribution Office (PDS) and get it verified. If your name has been wrongly removed, you can apply for correction by submitting the required documents.
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