In this article, we shall take a comprehensive look at the free ration card scheme, its requirements and how to go about it.
Equitable food distribution and rationing are crucial goals for every economy. The ration card, an identification card issued by the government to a family in the head’s name, facilitates the distribution of subsidized rations such as cereals, pulses, and legumes. With rapid economic growth since the ‘90s globalization, many reduced their reliance on these rations due to increased purchasing power. This blog details the procedure to apply for a Ration Card through the National Food Security Act Portal for free.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of ration cards, especially for lower socio-economic groups reliant on daily wages in unorganized sectors. As their work and income halted, dependence on subsidized rations surged, with the government even offering free rations for lower income groups. Traditionally, applying for a ration card involved lengthy processes and red tape, but digitization has streamlined the procedure. This article explains how to apply for ration cards online.
Apply For Ration Card For Free: Smart Card Categories
Before we get into the details of procedure and eligibility let us first understand the structure of the rationing system in India. Ration cards are divided into four categories. They are:
- APL Ration Card: APL stands for Above Poverty Line. This Smart card is issued by the government for those citizens of the country who live above the poverty line but fall below the middle-class category.
- BPL Ration Card: BPL stands for Below Poverty Line. This card is issued to those people in the country who are living below the poverty line.
- AAY Ration Card: AAY stands for Antyodaya Anna Yojana. This Smart card is issued to those people who are living in extreme poverty and are economically weaker than other class people.
- Annapurna Card: These ration cards are issued to those who are homeless and destitute and who do not have any source of income.
PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana
The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, 2023, was introduced with the sole objective of providing for the basic rations of the already poor who were further impoverished by the pandemic and were left destitute. They were people who had no savings and were living on a hand-to-mouth subsistence. With the lockdown in place, they could not go out to seek any work and they had no savings to fall back upon. Those eligible under this scheme are entitled to 5 Kg of wheat and 1 Kg of pulses per month free of cost for three months. So the obvious question is, who is eligible under this scheme. Let’s take a look
nfsa.gov.in Ration Card: Eligibility Criteria
- The applicant has to be a resident of India.
- The applicant should meet all the necessary criteria that categorise a person as ‘Below Poverty Line’
- The applicant must be the head of the family
Let us now take a look at the documents necessary for the free ration card scheme
Documents Required For Application
The following is the list of documents one must have in hand while applying for the free ration card online:
- Aadhar Card
- PAN Card
- Passport Size photograph of the head of the family
- Income Certificate
- Gas Connection details
- Caste Certificate
- Bank Account Passbook
Additionally, the applicant also needs to furnish mobile number details so as to receive the OTP while applying for the application.
Procedure For Applying For Ration Card
- First of all the applicant has to visit the official portal of food distribution of his state. Every state has its food distribution network that can be accessed through the online portal.
- On the home page you will find a link called ‘E-Coupon / Temporary Ration Card Application.’ You have to click on this option. After clicking on the option, the next page will open in front of you on the computer screen.
- On this page you have to enter the mobile number and click on the submit button. After submitting you will receive an OTP. Submit the same in the website to verify and once it is verified a form will open.
- Now the details to be submitted will differ from state to state depending on where you are located at the time of application. Some basic details are the name of the head of the family, age, Aadhaar number and number of members in the family.
- Afterwards, you need to submit the constituency and fill the complete address in it. Now after this you need to upload the Aadhaar card photo of the head of the family and photos of the family members.
- After submitting the details you will get a message from the authority on your registered mobile number which contains a link. Once you click on the link you can download the temporary ration card and present this temporary ration card to the nearest dealer to avail benefits of the scheme.
nfsa.gov.in Ration Card – Mera Ration App
The government has also launched a mobile application called ‘Mera Ration’, which contains all the details of the scheme. It contains the details of all the ration distribution centres in different states, the eligibility in those states and the procedure in the particular states. This is an excellent solution for the problems of migrant labourers who often have to move from state to state and the majority of them are eligible for the free ration scheme. This app saves them the trouble of running from pillar to post, filling out forms etc. All they need to do is to login and register with the app and they avail the benefits of the scheme irrespective of whichever state they are in. The procedure to download and register are as follows.
- First of all, you have to open Google Play Store or Apple App Store on your mobile phone.
- After this you have to enter ‘mera ration’ in the search bar.
- Click on the ‘mera option’ app that appears in the search results.
- Now you will be taken to the installation page. Install the App.
- Mera Ration app will be downloaded on your device.
- Once downloaded and installed, you have to open this app and enter the ration card number.
- As soon as you enter the ration card number, all the information related to your Smart card will open in front of you.
The Mera Ration App can also be used for,
- Applying for a new card
- Applying for a duplicate card
- Changing details on the ration card
- Adding new members of the family to the ration card
Conclusion
Food guarantee and stability is the ultimate objective of every economy. Economic growth is a means to an end and not the end itself. The success of economic growth can only be truly measured when it is able to afford its citizens the basic requirements for sustenance, either through employment or through welfare schemes. The free ration card is a welfare scheme that had to be implemented during one of the most testing and trying times the world has ever seen.
nfsa.gov.in Ration Card (National Food Security Act) – On top of it, there is the issue of a massive population, mostly ruralised, and diverse in their language, culture and habits. To be able to achieve this massive feat before things got out of hand is truly commendable. If you have any other queries regarding legal or regulatory matters such as these, get in touch with us and we will ensure that your query is resolved by our team of dedicated experts.
FAQs
Can we apply for a ration card online?
Yes, you can apply for a ration card online through the National Food Security Act (NFSA) Portal or the respective state's official public distribution system website. The process has been digitized for convenience.
How to apply for an APL card online?
To apply for an Above Poverty Line (APL) card online, visit the state's public distribution system website, fill out the application form, and upload the required documents. Follow the instructions and submit your application.
How can I get a ration card in India?
You can obtain a ration card in India by applying online through the state's public distribution system website or visiting the local ration office. Provide the necessary documents and complete the application process.
Who is not eligible for ration cards in India?
Individuals or families with high incomes, significant property ownership, or those paying income tax are typically not eligible for ration cards in India. Specific eligibility criteria may vary by state.
What is NFSA in ration cards?
NFSA, or the National Food Security Act, aims to provide subsidized food grains to approximately two-thirds of India's population. Smart cards under NFSA classify beneficiaries into priority and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households.
What are the three types of ration cards?
The three types of ration cards are the Above Poverty Line (APL) card, the Below Poverty Line (BPL) card, and the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) card. Each card type caters to different economic segments.
Which ration card is best?
The 'best' ration card depends on individual eligibility; however, the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) card provides the highest level of subsidized food grains for the poorest families.
Who is eligible for an APL card?
Individuals or families with incomes above the poverty line, as determined by the state's specific criteria, are eligible for an Above Poverty Line (APL) card. Eligibility criteria may vary slightly by state.
What is the lowest category of ration card?
The lowest category of ration card is the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) card, designed for the poorest families with no stable income, providing the maximum subsidy on food grains.
