Jammu, April 18, 2026 : The Jammu and Kashmir government has announced the rollout of free ration distribution for migrants starting April 18 across designated depots in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions.
According to the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction, all eligible beneficiaries will receive 11 kg of free ration per person per month along with 1 kg of sugar, regardless of their category.
Relief Commissioner Arvind Karwani stated that the scheme covers all relief ration card holders, including priority, non-priority, and special categories.
Individuals registered under the non-relief category, such as pensioners, will continue to receive ration at government-approved rates under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).
The government has also integrated migrant ration cards with the NFSA database by amending the J&K Food Security Rules and the Targeted Public Distribution System Order. This step will allow migrants to access a wider range of welfare benefits seamlessly.
Officials confirmed that existing procedures related to ration cards will remain unchanged, and awareness campaigns have been launched to ensure maximum outreach.
The scheme will be formally launched in Jammu at 11 AM on April 18.
