What is a Ration Card?
A ration card is an official document issued by the government of India that entitles the holder to purchase subsidized food and other essential commodities from government-authorized stores.
The card is issued by the local rationing authority after due verification of the applicant's economic status. The ration card is an important document for the poor and marginalized sections of society as it ensures access to basic necessities at affordable prices.
It also acts as a proof of identity and residence. The cardholders are entitled to purchase up to a certain prescribed quantity of essential commodities every month at subsidized rates. The government has also announced that the ration card will soon be linked with the Aadhaar number to streamline the distribution of subsidies and prevent leakages.
This will enable the government to directly transfer subsidies to the ration cardholders' bank accounts. The ration card is an important instrument for the poor and marginalized sections of society to access basic necessities at affordable prices.
Types of the Ration Card?
1. APL (Above Poverty Line) Card:
This ration card is issued to families who live above the poverty line. Families who have this card are entitled to purchase cereals, sugar, kerosene oil, and rice at subsidized rates from government-run stores.
2. BPL (Below Poverty Line) Card:
This ration card is issued to families who live below the poverty line. Families who have this card are entitled to purchase cereals, sugar, kerosene oil, rice, and wheat at subsidized rates from government-run stores.
3. Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) Card:
This ration card is issued to the poorest of the poor families. Families who have this card are entitled to purchase cereals, sugar, kerosene oil, rice, and wheat at subsidized rates from government-run stores.
Eligibility of the Ration Card?
There are different types of ration cards available, each with different benefits. The type of ration card you are eligible for will depend on your family size and income.
Income criteria:
-Your family's total monthly income must be below the poverty line.
-You must not have any sources of income other than your wages.
-You must not own any property or have any savings.
Family size criteria:
-Your family must consist of at least two members.
-Your family must not have more than eight members.
Place of residence criteria:
-You must live in a slum area or in a rural area.
-You must not live in a city or town.
How to apply for Ration Card Offline?
The process of applying for a ration card offline may vary slightly from state to state, but the general process is as follows:
1. Gather the required documents. This will usually include proof of residency, proof of identity, and proof of income.
2. Fill out the application form. This can be done online or offline.
3. Submit the application form along with the required documents to the ration card office in your area.
4. Once your application is received, it will be processed and you will be notified of the decision via mail. If your application is approved, you will be issued a ration card.
How to apply for Ration Card Online?
To apply for a ration card online, you will need to fill out an application form which is available on the website of the Department of Food and Public Distribution.
The form will ask for your personal details as well as your ration card number. Once you have submitted the form, you will need to pay the application fee and wait for your ration card to be delivered to your address.
Documents required for Ration Card?
Documents Required For Ration Card
In order to get a ration card, you must first collect the following documents:
1. Proof of identity (Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, driving license, etc.)
2. Proof of address ( ration card, electricity bill, water bill, property tax bill, etc.)
3. Photographs of all family members
4. Self-declaration of annual income
5. Completed application form
These documents can be submitted online or at your nearest rationing office. Once your application is processed, you will be issued a ration card which will entitle you to purchase subsidized foodgrains and other essentials from select outlets.
Step-By-Step Procedure For Applying for Ration Card Online?
How to find Ration Shops to buy Ration using the Ration Card?
How to link your aadhaar card with your Ration Card?
Ration Card rules
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Food