Telangana launches smart ration cards with 9 security features

Telangana chief minister A Revanth Reddy on Saturday launched the distribution of new smart ration cards for 10.5 million eligible families. The credit-card-sized PVC cards are durable and waterproof, featuring an encrypted QR code and nine security features to prevent duplication, the Hindustan Times reports.

The security features, as detailed by Siasat, include the commissioner's signature, a hologram with the Telangana emblem, embossed text, microtext, superimposed text, a watermark logo, an invisible UV logo, a guilloche pattern, and the encrypted QR code. Beneficiaries can access rations by scanning the QR code or entering the card number followed by biometric authentication. As of August, the state had 1.6 crore food security cards covering 3.43 crore beneficiaries, according to Siasat. The civil supplies minister said that since January 26, 2025, the state has issued over 16.32 lakh new cards.