Vijayawada: The Andra Pradesh govt will soon issue new smart ration/family cards similar to ATM cards to all below poverty line (BPL) families in the state, announced civil supplies minister Nadendla Manohar on Tuesday.

Addressing the media at the AP Secretariat in Velagapudi, Manohar said,

"The state govt will begin the process to issue new smart cards from May after the completion of e-KYC on April 30."

Elaborating on the features of the new smart ration cards, Manohar told reporters that the govt will decrease the present card size by removing the pictures on the new smart card. The card will only contain the names of the cardholders along with a QR code and other safety features printed on it.

Manohar further said the govt will provide options for new additions, deletions of family members, and split card options during the issuance of the new cards.