Ration Card Complete Guide

Ration Card is an official document issued by state governments in India that enables households to purchase essential commodities like food grains, sugar, kerosene, etc., at subsidized rates from the Public Distribution System (PDS).

The Ration Card was first introduced in 1940 during the Bengal famine and became a formal system during World War II in 1945. It serves not only for accessing subsidized food but also as proof of identity and address for various government services.

Ration cards are issued in different categories based on the economic status of the household. Each type has different eligibility criteria and benefits.

Major Categories of Ration Cards:

• APL (Above Poverty Line): For families above poverty line - get limited benefits
• BPL (Below Poverty Line): For families below poverty line - get full subsidized ration
• AAY (Antyodaya Anna Yojana): For "poorest of the poor" families - get 35kg food grains monthly
• PHH (Priority Household): Under NFSA - get 5kg food grains per person monthly
• White Ration Card: For economically well-off - used only as identity proof

Ration Card Colors and Significance:

• Blue/Yellow: BPL cards - full subsidized ration benefits
• Pink: For extremely poor families - maximum subsidy
• White: APL cards - identity proof only, no ration benefits
• Green: Some states use green for BPL cards

Ration card applications are processed by respective State Governments/UT Administrations under the National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA). The process varies slightly by state but follows a general pattern.

• Step 1: Visit your state's Food & Civil Supplies Department website
• Step 2: Download or collect ration card application form
• Step 3: Fill form with family head's details and family members
• Step 4: Attach required documents (proof of identity, address, income, etc.)
• Step 5: Submit form to local ration card office or online portal
• Step 6: Verification by government officials (home visit possible)
• Step 7: Receive ration card after approval (1-2 months)

Required Documents for New Ration Card:

• Identity Proof: Aadhaar card, Voter ID, PAN card, Driving licence
• Address Proof: Electricity bill, Water bill, Property tax receipt, Rent agreement
• Income Proof: Salary slip, Income certificate, BPL certificate (if applicable)
• Family Details: Family member photos, Birth certificates, Marriage certificate
• Other Documents: Caste certificate (if SC/ST), Disability certificate (if applicable)

Note: Application procedures vary by state. Visit the National Food Security Portal (nfsa.gov.in) and select your state for specific instructions.

You can check your ration card application status and verify if your name is in the ration card list through online portals or mobile apps.

How to Check Ration Card Status:

• Online Portal: Visit your state's Food & Civil Supplies website
• Mobile App: Use "Mera Ration" app or state-specific apps
• Helpline: Call toll-free numbers 18001800150 or 1967
• SMS Service: Send SMS with ration card number to designated number
• Office Visit: Visit local ration card office with application number

Information Needed for Status Check:

• Application Reference Number (ARN)
• Ration Card Number (for existing cards)
• Head of Family Name
• District and Taluk details
• Registered Mobile Number

You can download your ration card in digital PDF format from DigiLocker or state portals. Digital ration cards are legally valid and can be used for all purposes.

How to Download from DigiLocker:

• Visit DigiLocker website (digilocker.gov.in) or app
• Login with your Aadhaar number and OTP verification
• Go to "Issued Documents" section
• Search for "Ration Card" in available documents
• Select your state and enter ration card number
• Download ration card PDF to your device
• Print if needed (color print recommended)

Features of Digital Ration Card:

• Digitally signed by government - legally valid
• Equally valid as physical ration card
• Can be stored on smartphone - always accessible
• Can be printed anytime if lost
• Safe cloud storage - never gets lost
• Quick verification using QR code

You need to update your ration card when there are changes in family composition, address, income status, or other important details. Updates ensure you get correct benefits.

When to Update Ration Card:

• Addition of new family members (birth, marriage)
• Removal of family members (death, separation)
• Change of residential address
• Change in income status (BPL to APL or vice versa)
• Correction in name, age, or other details
• Change of family head (due to death or other reasons)

Update Process:

• Obtain ration card update form from local office or download online
• Fill form with updated details and changes required
• Attach supporting documents for the changes
• Submit form to local ration card office with old ration card
• Pay update fees if applicable (varies by state)
• Verification by officials (may include home visit)
• Receive updated ration card (1-2 months processing)

One Nation One Ration Card is a revolutionary scheme launched on 1st June 2020 that allows ration card holders to avail their food grain entitlements from any Fair Price Shop (FPS) across India.

Key Features of ONORC:

• Nationwide Portability: Get ration from any FPS in any state
• Migrant Worker Benefit: Especially beneficial for migrant workers
• Biometric Authentication: Aadhaar-based authentication at FPS
• Centralized Database: Real-time transaction tracking
• Prevents Duplication: Prevents same person getting ration from multiple places
• Transparent System: Reduces corruption and leakages

How to Use ONORC:

• Ensure your ration card is seeded with Aadhaar
• Download "Mera Ration" mobile app for information
• When in another state, locate nearest FPS using the app
• Visit FPS and authenticate using biometrics (fingerprint/iris)
• System verifies your entitlement from home state
• Collect your ration after successful authentication
• Transaction recorded in both home state and current state

Note: ONORC has transformed food security for migrant workers who can now access their entitled food grains anywhere in India without returning to their home state.

Ration cards provide various benefits beyond subsidized food grains. The entitlements vary based on the type of ration card held by the family.

Monthly Food Grain Entitlements:

• AAY Card: 35kg food grains per family per month
• PHH Card: 5kg food grains per person per month
• BPL Card: 25-35kg food grains per family per month
• APL Card: Up to 15kg when surplus available

Subsidized Rates (Approximate):

• Wheat: ₹2 per kg for AAY/BPL, ₹8-10 for APL
• Rice: ₹3 per kg for AAY/BPL, ₹10-12 for APL
• Coarse Grains: ₹1 per kg for AAY/BPL
• Sugar: ₹13.50 per kg (limited quantity)
• Kerosene: Subsidized rate (state varies)

Additional Benefits of Ration Card:

• Identity Proof: Valid for various government schemes
• Address Proof: For bank accounts, loans, property deals
• Education: Scholarship applications for children
• Healthcare: Availing benefits under health schemes
• Utilities: For new electricity/water connections
• Legal Documents: For passport, driving licence, etc.