The ration Card is an important document that the Government of India provides under the state Governance model to individuals and families who are below the poverty line.
It is an important identification document as well, which will help you get essential supplies like food, gas, etc. at affordable prices. The Government of India subsidizes the cost of the products to ensure that the cost of living does not affect the poorer section of the society.
In this article, we will discuss how to get a ration card, the benefits of a ration card, eligibility, how to apply for a ration card, etc.
Table of Contents
What is a Ration Card?
A ration Card is an official document issued by the Department of Food & Public Distribution to underprivileged citizens a card which they can buy essential supplies at an affordable price which is subsidized prices.
This department comes under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs Food & Public Distribution and is part of India’s Public Distribution System set across the country.
The Ration Card system is governed by the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and states the responsibility of the state towards underprivileged citizens.
Benefits of Ration Card
The following are the benefits of the Ration Card which you’ll get –
- The Ration card holders will get subsidized food and ration supplies from the designated public distribution shop
- You can use the ration card as an identification documents
- While opening a bank account like Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, a Ration card can be an essential document that you can use for opening a bank account
- Any scheme launched by the Government of India or State Government related to food and ration would reach the ration card holder fast
Who is Eligible to Apply for a Ration Card
The following are the eligibility criteria set by the Government to provide the ration card-
- The applicant must be a citizen of India with resident documents as well
- The applicant must belong to the Economically Weaker Section of the society
- The applicant applying for the ration cards should not possess a ration card
- A person having a temporary ration card or expired ration card can apply for a new ration card
- Applicants who are recently married can remove or add the name of the applicant
Types of Ration Cards
The following are the types of ration cards-
BPL Cards
BPL cards are issued to families or individuals who fall below the poverty line as determined by the government. These cards are meant to provide subsidized food grains and essential commodities to the economically weaker sections of society. As per the Government of India, BPL citizens are those families who earn less than Rs. 27,000 per year will be considered as BPL.
APL Cards
APL cards are issued to families or individuals who are above the poverty line but still may need assistance in securing essential commodities at affordable prices. While APL cardholders may not be as economically disadvantaged as BPL cardholders, they are still eligible for subsidized food items, albeit at a lower rate.
AAY Cards
AAY cards are specifically targeted at the poorest of the poor. This category includes individuals or families facing extreme economic hardship, often marginalized and vulnerable. AAY cards provide the highest level of subsidy and support, aiming to ensure that the most disadvantaged segments of society have access to essential food grains, and other necessities.
How to Apply for a Ration Card?
You can apply for the ration card by following these steps-
- The very first step is to download or collect the ration card application form from the nearest ration shop or your state government website respectively
- Now, fill out the application form with accurate information like name, address, tehsil, Aadhaar card number, family member details, etc.
- After filling out the application form, you’ll have to attach the documents mentioned below and submit the form to the ration card office or relevant authority
- After applying, authorities will conduct a verification process. This may involve a field visit to your residence to verify the information provided in the application
- After completion of the verification process, the decision for issuing the ration card will be communicated to you through speed post.
- If approved, the ration card will be processed and made available for collection. You will be informed about its availability, and you can collect it from the designated distribution center or the ration card office
Documents Required for Ration Card
The following are the documents required for applying for the ration card-
Identification Proof
- Voter Identity card
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN card
- Passport
- Family member’s passport-size photograph
- Bank Passbook
Residence Proof
- Aadhaar card linked with your Ration card
- LPG connection details
- Electricity and telephone bill
- Agreement of house
Age Proof
- Birth certificate
- School leaving certificate
FAQ
You can collect the application form from your local ration shop or download it from your state government’s official website
Some state governments have online Ration card services available including application processing, you’ll have to check with your state government website.
The verification process duration varies, but it generally takes a few weeks. During this time, authorities may conduct a field visit to verify the information provided in the application.
The ration card can be collected from the designated distribution center or the ration card office. You will be informed about its availability.
No, non-citizens or migrants cannot apply for ration cards, it is a privilege that the Indian state extends to the citizens only.
I’m Shiv Kumar, a graduate with a passion for finance, marketing, and technology. My journey into finance started with a desire to understand money management and investing.
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