A Ration card not only ensures the entitlement to the food and basic staples given out at subsidised costs by the country’s public distribution system but also is proof of citizenship.
Until the Aadhaar card came and displaced the Ration Card, the latter was among the most coveted ID proofs/documents of anyone’s citizenship, provided by and validated by the state. As a citizen (whether tax-payer or otherwise) of a country, the Ration card was and is the equivalent of a food coupon that the western countries’ social security no provides to its citizens.
A Ration card not only ensures the entitlement to the food and basic staples (wheat, rice, sugar, jaggery, kerosene, cloth) given out by the country’s public distribution system at subsidised costs but also is proof that a person is a bonafide citizen of a country.
Ration card is also used as proof of applying for making a Domicile certificate, Birth certificate, Voter ID card etc. Here is how to apply for a Ration Card.
How to apply for a Ration Card
STEP 1.Who can apply for a Ration Card?
Any person who is a bonafide citizen of India can apply for the Ration Card. Children below 18 years of age (minors) are included in their parents’ card. However, anyone who is above 18 years of age can apply for a separate Ration Card.
STEP 2.Are there more than one type of Ration Cards? If yes, what are the categories determined by?
There are two broad types of Ration Cards: The Below Poverty-Line ones and the non-BPL ones.
In the BPL category, there are Blue/Yellow/Green/Red Ration cards separated by colours depending upon entitlement to various subsidies on food, fuel and other goods. The White Ration cards are for people living above the poverty line they help as an identification.
STEP 3.What link does one click on to apply online?
Depending on which state you live in, the URL you need to visit varies. For example, if you were to apply in Andhra Pradesh, the URL would be:
ap.meeseva.gov.in/DeptPortal/UserInterface/LoginForm.aspx
Good News! Ration card holders will get ration at home only from March, no line will be imposed
However, in Delhi, you must visit the official website of the Department of Food, Supplies and Consumer Affairs, GNCT of Delhi Government.
STEP 4.What documents must I keep ready?
Aadhaar card
Employee identity card
Voter ID
Passport
Any government-issued identity card
Health card (including the Aaragoyasri card)
Driving licence
STEP 5.What to select n that portal?
Log in to the portal to apply for the new ration card.
STEP 6.What category to select next?
Click on the Application form for getting food security under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013.
STEP 7.What details to fill in here?
Fill in your personal details, your daily particulars etc. The form specifies what you must fill in
STEP 8.Details filled, now what?
Having filled all the mandatory details in the application form, now upload all the documents and click on the “Apply Online” button.
Personal loan