Civil supplies data shows 95% of Telangana under poverty line

HYDERABAD: Telangana’s population is officially estimated at 3.50 crore, but ration card statistics suggest almost the entire state is classified as poor.

According to civil supplies department data, the state has issued 1,01,22,824 white ration cards, covering 3,25,02,345 beneficiaries. Another 25 lakh cards are under consideration, which would take the total beneficiaries close to 3.35 crore. That leaves only about 15 lakh people above the poverty line.

Ration cards become political tool

Distribution of ration cards has become a poll promise for every party. Successive governments—both before and after state formation—have added cards. The Congress government, after taking charge, ordered a comprehensive family survey and cleared 11.27 lakh new applications.

The previous Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government had left 88,95,282 white ration cards in circulation, covering 2,87,47,565 people.

Ineligible groups hold cards

Rules bar card issuance to families with over 5 acres of land, government staff including contract and outsourced workers, professionals like doctors, engineers and lawyers, and vehicle owners. Yet, many among these groups have cards.

For example, Telangana has about 25 lakh cars, and several owners reportedly possess white cards. Farmers with holdings above 5 acres, mill owners, and even some government employees are also among beneficiaries.

Currently, the Centre accounts for 56,27,285 cards under the National Food Security Act, while the state issues additional cards, thereby expanding the beneficiary base.

Welfare schemes linked to cards

Ration cards are being used as proof to access several welfare schemes, not just subsidised rice. These include Aarogyasri health cover, Gruhajyothi, LPG subsidy, pensions, widows, persons with disabilities, handloom workers, beedi workers, Kalyana Lakshmi and Shaadi Mubarak.

Officials admit that even those above the poverty line obtain cards to access such schemes. As a result, government spending on welfare is rising, with ineligible families also availing benefits.