Jammu, Mar 30: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday informed the Legislative Assembly that it has launched a scheme to provide six free LPG cylinders per year to each Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) family, while a separate initiative to supply additional free food grains to such households is already operational across the Jammu division.
In a written reply to a question by BJP legislator Balwant Singh Mankotia from Chenani, Minister Incharge as per Kashmir Convener said the government has recently announced the provision of six LPG cylinders free of cost annually to every AAY family.
Regarding free ration, the minister informed that a new scheme named ‘Providing of additional food grains free of cost to AAY households (SAAY)’ was launched in April 2025 with the objective of augmenting monthly food requirements for AAY families having a family size of four and above members, ensuring it does not exceed 10 kg per beneficiary. The scheme is currently operational in all districts of the Jammu division.
The reply detailed that a total of 5,21,222 AAY beneficiaries are covered across Jammu and Kashmir, with 37,412 in Jammu district, 1,035 in Samba, 3,308 in Kathua, 2,652 in Udhampur, 3,719 in Reasi, 4,961 in Doda, 2,329 in Ramban, 2,423 in Kishtwar, 6,594 in Rajouri and 5,799 in Poonch.
Responding to a query on opening new Fair Price Shops (FPS) or subsidised ration outlets across the Union Territory, the minister said such proposals will be considered only after complete stabilisation of the Smart Public Distribution System (Smart PDS).
“Several components including ration card management and e-KYC modules are currently in the process of being streamlined. Deferring new proposals at this stage will help ensure seamless implementation and prevent administrative or technical challenges,” the minister said.
The government noted that while key systems such as the Ration Card Management System, Supply Chain Management System, Distribution Portal, and integration with Mera Ration are operational, certain modules like the Procurement Portal, advanced grievance redressal mechanisms, e-KYC saturation, and PoS device upgradation are still underway.
“Given that the elected government has recently assumed office, it is considered appropriate to involve elected representatives in assessing the need for new FPS across Jammu and Kashmir. Accordingly, the current framework will be revisited, and further steps will be taken upon completion of pending activities and necessary consultations,” the reply stated.
On the cancellation of ration cards in Chenani constituency, the minister informed that 498 ration cards have been cancelled or deactivated in the last five years, with 99 cancelled in 2024-25 and 399 in 2025-26.
The cards were deactivated under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) as they were categorised as “silent ration cards”, meaning beneficiaries had not availed ration for over a year despite e-POS authentication availability. However, the government clarified that most of these cards have been only temporarily deactivated, with provision for re-activation if genuine beneficiaries approach the concerned office with proper documentation.
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