SchemesSunday, 26 July 2026·The Hindu - National
Kerala clears 73,024 priority ration cards under 100-day programme; free rations from Aug. 3
Kerala approved 73,024 priority ration card applications, exceeding its 50,000 target, and will start free ration distribution from August 3, 2026.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In July 2026, Kerala’s Food and Civil Supplies Department approved 73,024 priority ration card applications under the State Government’s 100-day action programme, and free rations for the new cardholders will begin on August 3, 2026.
Key specifics
- Original target: 50,000 priority ration cards; approved: 73,024 applications.
- Total applications received: 76,338; returned for insufficient documents: 1,353.
- Rejected after scrutiny: 2,011 applications; Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan will launch distribution.
- Kerala has allocated 4,068 kilolitres of kerosene for ration shops from August 1.
- Special rice for Onam public distribution is to reach ration shops before August 10, 2026.
Exam lens
Scheme and welfare question type: ration cards, public distribution system, kerosene allocation, Onam supply timeline, Kerala 100-day programme. TNPSC may ask which department approved 73,024 cards and from which date free rations start.