Bihar government issues ration cards to 23.75 lakh new beneficiaries, aims for 1 crore
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Poverty, hunger & nutrition· Prelims·
PDS expansion and last-mile delivery for the elderly: a GS2 Social Justice and Food Security case study.
Why in news
The Bihar government issued ration cards to 23.75 lakh new beneficiaries and granted 1,448 new PDS shop licenses to achieve a target of one crore new card holders this financial year.
Background
The Bihar government issued ration cards to 23.75 lakh beneficiaries and 1,448 new PDS shop licenses on November 12, 2026. Currently, there are 2.09 crore ration card holders in the state, benefiting 8.48 crore people.
Facts for Prelims
- FactBihar government issued 23.75 lakh new ration cards and 1,448 new PDS shop licenses on November 12, 2026
- FactTotal ration card holders in Bihar: 2.09 crore, benefiting 8.48 crore people
- FactGovernment target: Add one crore new ration card holders in the current financial year
- FactNew system to deliver food grains directly to homes of elderly ration card holders aged 75 and above starting next year
- FactTimeline for issuing new ration cards to eligible applicants: within 30 days
Prelims practice question
What is the age threshold for the new home delivery system of food grains for ration card holders in Bihar?
- (a)65 and above
- (b)80 and above
- (c)60 and above
- (d)75 and above
Show answer
Answer: (d) 75 and above — The note states that a new system will deliver food grains directly to the homes of elderly ration card holders aged 75 and above.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the role of the Public Distribution System (PDS) in ensuring food security and dignity for the marginalized sections of society in India.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Last-mile delivery: Addressing logistical hurdles in reaching elderly and remote beneficiaries
- Data integrity: Ensuring accurate identification of eligible beneficiaries to prevent leakages
- Social safety nets: Integrating food security with health schemes like Ayushman Bharat for holistic welfare
Keywords: Food Security · Public Distribution System · Social Safety Net · Last-mile Delivery · Vulnerable Sections
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.