Ration card is an important document, which not only serves as an identity card but also helps the government to provide ration to the common citizens at a reasonable price. Every state government issues ration cards for its citizens. Many families in the country are not able to have even two meals a day.

The government provides rations to such families every month for free and at low rates. The ration is distributed under the Public Distribution System under the National Food Security Act. A ration card is used as an identity card to make many documents like residence certificates, housing certificates, voter ID cards, and Aadhar cards.

Types of Ration Cards

Blue and Yellow: It is given to families living below the poverty line. In many states, its color is also yellow or green. The annual income of people living in rural areas should not exceed Rs 6400 and the annual income in urban areas should not exceed Rs 11,850. Cardholders are given a ration at subsidy.

Pink: It is given to those families whose annual income is below the poverty line limit. The card has a photo of the head. Food grains are available at subsidized rates through this card.

White: This card is issued to financially well-off people. Those who do not require subsidized ration. This card is used as an identity card or proof of address.

Eligibility for Ration Card

1.Only Indian citizens can apply for a ration card.
2.The ration card is made only in the name of the head of the family.
3.The head should be 18 years of age or above.
4.The names of all the members of the family are written on the ration card.
5.The member applying for the ration card should not have already got a ration card made in any      other state in his name.

Documents required for ration card

Income certificate of families living below the poverty line for BPL card, whose income should not exceed Rs 27 thousand. For Antyodaya Ration Card, death certificate of husband in case of widowhood, disability certificate in case of disability, senior citizen certificate.

Income Certificate
Identity Certificate
Aadhaar Card
Voter ID
Marriage Certificate
Mobile Number
LPG Gas Connection
Driving License
Passport
Passport Size Photo

Online Application for Ration Card

  1. Online applications can be done through different official sites in all states.
  2. First of all, go to the official site of the Food and Ration Department of your state.
  3. Now select the language.
  4. After this fill in information like district, block, and gram panchayat.
  5. Choose the type of card according to your annual income.
  6. Now you have to fill in your family information. Also fill in all the information of the head of the family in whose name the card is being made, such as Aadhaar number, bank account information, voter ID, and mobile number.
  7. After filling in all the information, submit the form and then take a print of it.

Offline Application for Ration Card

If you are unable to apply online, you can also apply offline.

  • You have to visit the circle office of your city. From where you can get the ration card form? Otherwise, you can also get the form from the municipality. The form can also be printed from the online site.
  • Now fill out the form carefully. Attach all the documents asked in it.
  • If you do not have proof of address, you can also record the statements of two neighbours along with their documents.
  • If you do not have your own house, the rent agreement can also be given.
  • After filling out the form, submit it to the office.
  • The ration card will be ready about a month after submitting the form.

How to check whether the ration card is made or not

  • If you want, you can check offline by visiting the office related to your area like Panch Office, or Municipality Office. You can also check online from home.
  • First of all, you have to visit the official website of the National Food Security Department www.nfsa.gov.in. The site of each state may be different.
  • Now choose the option of a ration card.
  • After this, you have to go to the option of ration card details on the state portal.
  • Select your state in it.
  • After this, you have to select information like your jail and development block.
  • Are you from a rural area or urban area? After answering all the information, choose the type of ration card.
  • Now information will come on your screen whether your ration card is made or not.