Over 17,500 Migrant Ration Cards Integrated into NFSA Database in Jammu Kashmir  | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has integrated more than 17,500 migrant ration cards into the National Food Security Act (NFSA) database, while the process for integrating around 8,000 additional cards is currently underway, officials said on Saturday.

The update was reviewed in a meeting chaired by Principal Secretary, Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction, Chandrakar Bharti, to assess the implementation of the Special Relief Ration Scheme for Kashmiri and Jammu migrants and the extension of social welfare benefits to eligible beneficiaries.

Officials informed that ration distribution under the Special Relief Ration Scheme began on April 18, 2026 from migrant camps, with directives issued to ensure smooth distribution through 32 designated ration depots in Jammu district. Migrants have also been allowed to collect ration from the nearest depot for ease of access. Similar arrangements are being implemented across other districts of the Jammu division.

The administration reiterated that, as per revised rules notified in 2024 and subsequent government orders in 2025, migrant ration cards have been formally integrated into the NFSA framework to enable beneficiaries to access various government schemes. It was also clarified that existing ration entitlements will continue, including 11 kg of free ration per person per month and 1 kg of sugar, while non-relief category beneficiaries will receive ration at government-approved rates under NFSA provisions.

To prevent inconvenience, the government has approved a one-time extension for distribution of April 2026 ration into May 2026, in addition to the regular May quota.

The meeting also decided to intensify monitoring of the integration process and organise additional special camps by the Social Welfare Department in coordination with the Relief Organisation to facilitate enrolment in schemes such as old age pension, widow pension, disability pension, marriage assistance, Ayushman Bharat, and scholarships.

Officials said around 450 families have already benefited from various social welfare schemes following integration into the NFSA database.

The department stated that efforts are underway to fully operationalise the updated system for migrant beneficiaries in a time-bound manner.