Bihar Ration Cards: 30-Day Issuance Target and Planned Coverage for 78 Lakh More People

The news

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Thursday launched a campaign in Patna to distribute new ration cards, announcing that every eligible applicant will receive a card within 30 days of applying. The state has already issued new ration cards to 23.75 lakh people in need and granted licences for 1,448 new fair-price shops. The campaign aims to reach an additional 78 lakh people, officials said.

Choudhary also said that from next year, citizens aged over 75 will receive ration delivered to their homes. The announcement came alongside a series of development measures: a permanent bridge connecting Sitab Diara, the birthplace of Jayaprakash Narayan, with Ara; five new sugar mills to be launched during Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to Bihar; and projects worth ₹22,000 crore to be started before 31 March. The Chief Minister also inaugurated the ₹8.20 crore Ramghat riverfront development project and Atal Dwar at Manjhi in Saran.

What is the National Food Security Act, 2013?

The National Food Security Act, 2013 provides the legal framework for issuing ration cards and distributing subsidised foodgrains through the public distribution system. It entitles up to 75 percent of the rural population and 50 percent of the urban population to receive foodgrains at highly subsidised prices, with priority households getting 5 kg per person per month. The Act also includes special provisions for the poorest of the poor under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana, which was launched in 2000. The Supreme Court, in the PUCL vs Union of India case, has repeatedly affirmed the right to food as part of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.

How will the 30-day target work?

The 30-day issuance target is meant to reduce the waiting period for eligible households to access subsidised food through the public distribution system. The state has already distributed cards to 23.75 lakh people and issued 1,448 new fair-price shop licences to expand the distribution network. Reaching the remaining 78 lakh people will depend on faster processing, adequate shop coverage and reliable food supply, according to the department.

What other measures were announced?

A 1.1 kW rooftop solar plant for poor domestic consumers, with a grant of ₹8,000–₹10,000, is proposed to provide electricity-bill relief for 25 years. The Vidyarthi Sathi digital platform connects 3.50 lakh students from 700 model schools, with 1.80 lakh children reportedly studying on it late at night. The Chief Minister also said a permanent bridge for Sitab Diara and five new sugar mills are planned, along with ₹22,000 crore in new projects to be started before 31 March.