Scheme Introduction: A Brief Overview

• With the 2026 Kerala Legislative Assembly Elections approaching, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) released its election manifesto themed "Vikasita Keralam" on 31 March 2026.
• The manifesto was formally released by BJP National President Nitin Nabin at a function held in Thiruvananthapuram, in the presence of senior NDA leaders, including Rajeev Chandrasekhar.
• Among the key welfare promises in the manifesto, one flagship initiative targeting women's welfare is the Bhakshya Arogya Suraksha Card (also called the Food and Health Security Card).
• The scheme promises a monthly recharge of Rs 2,500 to women from poor and BPL households.
• The card is designed to serve a dual purpose; it can be used at pharmacies to purchase medicines as well as at grocery stores to buy essential food items, effectively combining food security and health security into a single benefit instrument.
• The name itself reflects this dual purpose, "Bhakshya" (food) and "Arogya" (health), symbolising holistic support for the basic needs of economically vulnerable women in Kerala.
• This scheme is part of NDA's broader welfare package under "Vikasita Keralam," which also includes a Rs 3,000 monthly pension for women heads of poor households, widows, and senior citizens above 70 years; two free LPG cylinders annually for poor families; and 20,000 litres of free water per household per month.
• The Kerala Legislative Assembly election is scheduled on 9 April 2026, with votes to be counted on 4 May 2026. The NDA is contesting against the incumbent CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) government and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF).
• Currently, this scheme is part of the NDA election manifesto and is not yet a notified government scheme.
• It will be implemented only if the BJP-led NDA wins the 2026 Kerala Assembly Elections and forms the government.

Scheme Benefits

• Every eligible woman will be provided with a Bhakshya Arogya Suraksha Card (Food and Health Security Card).
• The card will be loaded with a monthly recharge of Rs 2,500.
• The card can be used at:
  • pharmacies for purchasing medicines and health products.
  • grocery stores for purchasing essential food items.
• The monthly recharge of Rs 2,500 is a recurring benefit, renewed every month.
• The scheme combines food security and health security support through a single card, simplifying access to welfare.

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicant must be a woman.
• Applicant must be a permanent resident of Kerala.
• Applicant's household must belong to the Poor or Below Poverty Line (BPL) category.
• Must possess a valid BPL Ration Card or equivalent proof of economic status.
• Must have an active bank account (preferably linked with Aadhaar).

Note: Detailed eligibility criteria of this scheme will be officially notified once NDA forms the government in Kerala.

Required Documents

• The official list of required documents will be shared at the time of scheme implementation. The following documents are likely to be required:
  • Aadhaar Card
  • BPL Ration Card
  • Address Proof
  • Bank Account Passbook
  • Income Certificate (if applicable)
  • Passport-size Photograph
  • Mobile Number linked with Aadhaar

Steps to Apply

• The Bhakshya Arogya Suraksha Card is currently part of the BJP-led NDA election manifesto and has not yet been officially launched.
• It will be implemented once the NDA forms the government in Kerala following the April 9, 2026, elections.
• Applicants need to wait for the official launch notification from the Kerala Government before applying.
• Once launched, the expected steps to apply are:
  • Visit the official designated portal for this scheme.
  • Register using your Aadhaar number and mobile number.
  • Fill in the online/offline application form with personal and bank account details.
  • Upload or submit the required documents.
  • Submit the form and save your application reference number for tracking.
  • After verification by the concerned authorities, the Bhakshya Arogya Suraksha Card will be issued and recharged with Rs 2,500 every month.

Relevant Links

• Bhakshya Arogya Suraksha Card Official Website (Will be updated after official launch).
• Bhakshya Arogya Suraksha Card Guidelines (Will be updated after official launch).
• Bhakshya Arogya Suraksha Card Application Form (Will be updated after official launch).
• BJP Kerala NDA Election Manifesto 2026

Contact Information

• Helpline Number related to Bhakshya Arogya Suraksha Card is currently unavailable.
• Contact details will be updated once the scheme is officially notified.