In a major relief for senior citizens, the Tamil Nadu government has announced that the eligibility age for doorstep delivery of ration supplies under the Public Distribution System (PDS) has been reduced from 70 years to 65 years.
The decision follows numerous public requests urging the government to extend this benefit to citizens aged 65 and above who face mobility challenges in visiting fair price shops.
New Delivery Schedule for Ration Supplies
According to the Department of Cooperation, home delivery of essential commodities will now take place during the first weekend of every month — specifically on Saturday and Sunday.
Beginning November 3 and 4, this new schedule will ensure timely delivery of ration items such as rice, wheat, sugar, and kerosene to eligible beneficiaries across Tamil Nadu.
Officials stated that the earlier system, which operated during the second week of each month, often caused delays and distribution challenges, discouraging many elderly citizens and persons with disabilities (PwDs) from availing the service.
Objective: Efficient, Timely, and Inclusive Delivery
Authorities confirmed that the revised plan aims to improve efficiency, enhance accessibility, and expand participation among senior citizens and differently-abled individuals.
“With the age limit now set at 65 years, many more beneficiaries will be included, especially those who were left out earlier,” said a senior official from the Department of Cooperation.
The updated beneficiary list is being prepared and is expected to be finalized in the coming months.
Background: Expanding the Reach of PDS Home Delivery Scheme
The doorstep ration delivery scheme was initially launched to assist senior citizens aged 70 years and above and persons with disabilities (PwDs) who are unable to visit ration shops in person.
Originally, the scheme covered 20.42 lakh senior citizens and 1.27 lakh PwDs. However, an internal review revealed that around 8% of the listed beneficiaries were deceased, prompting the government to revise and update the database.
Boosting Participation and Beneficiary Experience
Officials noted that the lukewarm response in recent months was due to distribution delays and migration of beneficiaries to other districts. The new schedule and expanded eligibility are expected to increase participation and strengthen trust in the scheme.
The government emphasized that the move aligns with Tamil Nadu’s broader commitment to inclusive welfare, senior citizen care, and efficient public service delivery.
Expected Impact
With the revised age limit, thousands of new beneficiaries across Tamil Nadu will now be eligible for home delivery of essential commodities — ensuring greater convenience, dignity, and social support for the elderly and differently-abled citizens.
