Navigate the process of obtaining a Bihar Ration Card, including the application procedure through the Ration Card Portal (epds.bihar.gov.in) .
Ration Card In Bihar – Overview
Bihar is amongst the most impoverished states in the country. Rampant crime had made it difficult to bring in any kind of investment in the state causing a drought in employment and infrastructural sectors. However, in the past decades, with the cooperation of the public, the government of Bihar has been able to stimulate development, bring crime under control and invite investment and infrastructural development. You Can Know more about Ration Card In Bihar in this blog!
One of the biggest achievements of the government is ensuring food security to the poorest of the poorest through public food distribution at subsidised rates. A majority of the population of Bihar works in the unorganised sector with no job security. They live on daily wages with no guarantee of employment the next day. In such an atmosphere, food security becomes extremely important to ensure no one is afflicted by starvation. Food distribution in India happens through the issue of ration card to every family in the name of the head of the family.
Bihar Ration Card – बिहार राशन कार्ड:
The Ration Card Management System (RCMS) in Bihar is a digital platform that facilitates the management and distribution of ration cards in the state. This system is designed to streamline the process of issuing and managing ration cards, ensuring efficient and transparent distribution of essential commodities to eligible families.
Jan Vitran Ann, which translates to Public Distribution System, is a vital component of the Bihar Ration Card ecosystem. It is through this system that subsidized food grains and other essential items are distributed to the beneficiaries identified through their ration cards.
| The ration card in Bihar serves as an essential document for households to access subsidized food and other provisions provided by the government. It is a key instrument in the government’s efforts to ensure food security and alleviate poverty in the state. |
Abstract
In Bihar, there are different types of ration cards issued based on the economic status and needs of the families. These may include Below Poverty Line (BPL) cards, Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) cards, and other categories. Each card type determines the level of assistance and the quantity of subsidized goods a family is entitled to receive.
The process of obtaining a ration card in Bihar typically involves an application submitted to the relevant authorities. The application may require details about the family, the head of the family, income, and other relevant information. The move towards digital platforms has made the application process more accessible and efficient.
| Ration cards are generally issued to families, and the head of the family plays a crucial role in the application and management of the card. The details of the head of the family, including their identification and eligibility, are essential for the issuance and proper functioning of the ration card. |
Objective Of Bihar Ration Card Process
The ration card also contains details of the family members and is also often used as an identity card. The process of procuring a ration card used to be extremely tedious and lengthy. As mentioned before, a majority of Bihar is rural and the government offices in these areas lack the manpower or the infrastructure to perform important administrative activities. So the major administrative offices are in urban centres, requiring a ration card applicant to travel to these centres across hundreds of kilometres. And even when they do arrive at said centres, they have to wait in line and run from one office to another to ensure that their application is accepted within the office hours. The equation between the available manpower at these offices and the demand for ration cards is heavily lopsided on the demand side. So acquiring a ration card became a real nuisance.
However, with the introduction of the online portal (epds.bihar.gov.in), the government of Bihar hopes to close the divide between the two aspects of the equation given that an online portal can engage with multiple applicants at the same time and can be done without having to travel long distances, without having to wait in line and without having to follow specific office timings. An applicant can read and understand the information on the website (epds.bihar.gov.in) thoroughly and make the application at his or her own pace without worrying about running out of time. Since the introduction of this facility the number of ration cards issued has gone up significantly and food security has become more tensile in terms of its reach. Let us take a look at the key features of this facility.
Types Of Ration card
There are three categories of ration cards issued by the government. They are:
- APL Ration Card – APL stands for Above Poverty Line. This ration 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 of the country who are living below the poverty line.
- AAY Ration Card – AAY stands for Antyodaya Anna Yojana. This ration card is issued to those people who are living in extreme poverty and are economically weaker than other class people.
How to Apply for Ration Card in Bihar?
To ensure that eligible households have access to subsidized food and essential commodities, the Bihar Government has streamlined the process of applying for a Ration Card. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply:
Gather Required Documents
- Proof of Identity: Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, etc.
- Proof of Residence: Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Utility Bills, etc.
- Application Form: Obtain the Ration Card application form from the designated office or download it from the official website (epds.bihar.gov.in).
Online Application
- Bihar provides the option to apply for a Ration Card online. Visit the official website (epds.bihar.gov.in) and navigate to the online application section.
- Fill in the required details accurately. Ensure that all information matches the supporting documents.
- Upload scanned copies of the necessary documents.
Offline Application
- If applying offline, visit the nearest Public Distribution System (PDS) office or the designated office for Ration Card applications in your area.
- Collect the application form and fill it out carefully with accurate information.
Verification Process
- After submitting the application, it undergoes a verification process by the concerned authorities.
- Field verification may be conducted to ensure the accuracy of the information provided.
Documents to Submit
- During the verification process, be prepared to submit additional documents if required. These may include income certificates, address proof, etc.
Follow-up
- Regularly check the status of your application. In case of online applications, you can track the progress on the official website (epds.bihar.gov.in).
Documents to Apply for Ration Card in Bihar
When applying for a Ration Card in Bihar, certain documents are crucial for the application process:
- Pan Card: Permanent Account Number for financial identification.
- Income Certificate: To determine the economic status of the household.
- Address Proof: Utility bills, rental agreement, or any document verifying the residence.
- Mobile Number: Provide a valid mobile number for communication purposes.
- Passport-Size Photo: Recent photographs of the head of the family.
Eligibility Criteria for Bihar Ration Card
There are different types of Ration Cards in Bihar, each with its eligibility criteria:
- BPL Ration Card: For families below the poverty line.
- APL Ration Card: For families above the poverty line.
- Ration Card Application Form: Obtain the form from the designated office.
How to Check Bihar Ration Card Status?
After applying for a Ration Card in Bihar, it’s essential to monitor the status for timely updates:
- Online Application: If applied online, use the application number to check the status on the official website (epds.bihar.gov.in).
- Ration Card Number: For offline applications, use the provided Ration Card number to check the status.
- Public Distribution System (PDS): Visit the local PDS office for information.
- EPDS Bihar: The Electronic Public Distribution System Bihar also provides an online platform to check Ration Card status.
Process to Download Ration Card in Bihar
If you’re looking to download your Bihar ration card, follow these simple steps for a hassle-free process:
Visit the Website
Go to the official website (epds.bihar.gov.in) that manages the ration card system in Bihar.
Select “RCMS”
Look for the option labelled “RCMS” on the website. This is likely to be the Ration Card Management System.
Choose Your District
From the list of districts provided, select your respective district.
Urban or Rural Selection
Once you’ve chosen your district, you may need to specify whether you belong to an urban or rural area.
Select Your Block
Click on your block from the available options. Blocks are administrative divisions within a district.
Choose Your Panchayat
A list of panchayats (local self-governing bodies) will be displayed. Select the one relevant to your location.
Click on Your Village
Further, narrow down your location by choosing your village from the list provided.
Select Your Fair Price Shop (FPS)
FPS is where you collect your ration. Choose the Fair Price Shop that caters to your area.
View Ration Cards Under the FPS
A list of ration cards associated with the selected FPS will be displayed. Locate your ration card number.
View Ration Card Details
Click on your ration card number to access the details associated with your card.
Download Your Ration Card
Once you’ve reviewed the details and confirmed that it’s your card, look for the option to download the ration card.
Finalize the Download
Click on the “download” option to initiate the download process.
By following these steps, you should be able to easily download your Bihar ration card.
Benefits of Bihar Ration Card
Food Security
The Bihar Ration Card plays a crucial role in ensuring food security for the residents of the state. It acts as a document that enables eligible individuals or families to access essential food items through the Public Distribution System (PDS).
Poverty Alleviation
By providing subsidized food grains and other essential commodities, the ration card contributes to poverty alleviation efforts. It ensures that even economically disadvantaged families have access to basic nutritional requirements at affordable prices.
Price Stabilization
The distribution of essential commodities through the PDS helps stabilise prices in the market. Government intervention in providing goods at controlled rates contributes to maintaining stability in the prices of these essential items.
Social Welfare
The Bihar Ration Card is a key instrument in various social welfare schemes initiated by the government. It serves as a means to identify beneficiaries for different welfare programs targeted at economically weaker sections of society.
Health Benefits
Access to subsidized food items through the ration card contributes to better nutrition and, consequently, improved health outcomes. Adequate nutrition is essential for overall well-being and the prevention of health issues related to malnutrition.
Child Development
Children from economically disadvantaged families often face challenges related to nutrition and growth. The ration card ensures that families can access essential food items, contributing to the healthy development of children.
Subsidized Cooking Gas
In addition to food items, some ration cards may also be linked to schemes providing subsidized cooking gas. This further eases the financial burden on families, making cooking fuel more affordable.
Financial Inclusion
The possession of a Bihar Ration Card is often a requirement for availing of various government subsidies and benefits. This inclusion ensures that eligible families are part of the formal system for receiving assistance, promoting financial inclusion.
How to Get Bihar Ration Card Application Form?
To get your Bihar Ration Card Application Form navigate to the official Bihar ration card website (epds.bihar.gov.in) or visit the nearest Circle Office/S.D.O office.
Bihar Ration Card Helpline Number
If you have any further questions or queries on the Bihar Ration Card Scheme, contact the toll-free number provided below:
| Toll Free No: 1800-3456-194 & 1967 |
Conclusion
While this may be a major step in the direction of Food security, it is only the first of many more. There are several solutions that technology can offer to streamline the process and make it more efficient. But for this, there needs to be an active system of feedback and grievance redressal. And for that, the public has to actively put the system to use so that the shortfalls and issues may come to the fore and be resolved.
If you have any other queries or require any assistance with regard to legal or regulatory matters, get in touch with us so that our team of experts can understand your requirements and assist you in any way they can.
Application For Ration Card In Bihar FAQs
How long does it take to process a Ration Card application in Bihar?
The processing time for a Ration Card application in Bihar varies, but it typically takes a few weeks to a few months, depending on the completeness of the application and the verification process.
What should I do if I lose my Ration Card in Bihar?
If you lose your Ration Card in Bihar, you should report the loss to the nearest Circle Office/S.D.O. and apply for a duplicate Ration Card by submitting the required documents and completing the necessary formalities.
What should I do if there is an error in my Ration Card?
If there is an error in your Ration Card in Bihar, you can rectify it by visiting the nearest Circle Office/S.D.O. and submitting the necessary documents to correct the error in your Ration Card.
Can I transfer my Ration Card if I move to a different location within Bihar?
Yes, you can transfer your Ration Card if you move to a different location within Bihar. You need to apply for a transfer of your Ration Card by submitting the required documents to the Circle Office/S.D.O. in your new location.
How Can I Add a Family Member to my Existing Ration Card?
To add a family member to your existing Ration Card in Bihar, you need to visit the nearest Circle Office/S.D.O. and submit the necessary documents along with the application form for adding a family member to your Ration Card.
