New Delhi: The Delhi government has notified the Delhi Food Security Rules, 2025, ushering in a major revamp of the Public Distribution System (PDS) and meeting a long-pending legal mandate under Section 40 of the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013. Approved by the Cabinet, the new framework aims to ensure more equitable access to subsidised food grains for the city’s most vulnerable sections.
Food and Supplies Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa termed the reforms a “gamechanger” for disadvantaged families, stating that the new rules seek to correct persistent inefficiencies and exclusion errors within the PDS. “For years, deserving beneficiaries were left out. These rules mark a clear shift towards fairness, transparency and accountability,” he said.
As per the revised norms, the annual family income ceiling for Priority Households has been raised from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.20 lakh, with eligibility to be determined through income certificates issued by the Revenue Department. Beneficiary identification will be carried out by district-level scrutiny committees led by District Magistrates (DMs) and comprising multiple members, including elected representatives, to ensure an impartial process.
To prevent diversion of subsidies, the rules lay down strict exclusion criteria. Households with government employees, income-tax payees, owners of more than one four-wheeler—except a single commercial vehicle— high electricity consumers, or those owning property in designated premium areas will be ineligible for benefits.
Officials said the focused approach would replace the earlier first-come-firstserved model, ensuring that assistance reaches those most in need. “Eligible families will no longer be pushed aside by ineligible applicants,” Sirsa said.
The rules also introduce a three-tier, time-bound grievance redressal system covering Fair Price Shops (FPS), district administrations and the state level. This mechanism will be reinforced through compulsory social audits, public disclosure of records and vigilance committees at FPS, circle, district and state levels to strengthen oversight.
“Complaints will now be addressed within defined timelines. Accountability has been built into every layer of the system, which will enhance public confidence,” the minister added.
Gender inclusion has been given prominence, with provisions to designate the eldest adult woman in a household as the Head of Household, wherever applicable. The government said this step would strengthen women’s participation in household decision-making and safeguard the nutritional interests of women and children.
Aligning the reforms with the government’s vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sirsa said technology would be leveraged to ensure smooth PDS operations and enable realtime monitoring.
The Delhi Food & Supplies Department has appealed to all eligible households to submit applications through designated online portals.
Notably, implementation of the new rules will be carried out in a phased, district-wise manner, with officials assuring swift delivery of benefits to qualifying families.
