Maharashtra Ration Card

A ration card helps families across India access essential items like food grains at lower prices. In Maharashtra, the state government introduced the Tri-Colour Ration Card Scheme on 1st May 1999. 

 

Hence, you will find 3 types of ration cards in Maharashtra, namely Yellow, Saffron, and White, categorised as per the income level of the respective household.

Here are some key benefits of having a ration card in Maharashtra:

• Helps the government track and manage the distribution of food and resources

• Allows beneficiaries to buy essential food items at subsidised rates

• Serves as a valid proof of identity for families and individuals

• Enables access to state and central government welfare schemes, such as housing, education, and healthcare benefits

Here are the eligibility criteria for all 3 types of ration cards available in Maharashtra:

To apply for a Smart Ration Card in Maharashtra, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Applicants and their families must not hold any ration cards from Maharashtra or any other state in India

• The applicant must be a permanent resident of Maharashtra to be eligible

• The applicant must meet the income requirements

• The applicant or immediate family members must not:

• Own a four-wheeler vehicle

• Pay professional tax, GST, or any other income taxes

• Immediate family members of the applicant must not be practising as a chartered accountant, attorney, doctor, or architect

When applying for a Maharashtra Ration Card, you will have to submit the following documents:

• Aadhaar Card

• Details of your gas connection

• Utility Bills

• Certificate of income

• Receipt for house rent

• Bank passbook

• Photographs of the applicant

• Pan Card

• Passport

To apply for a Maharashtra Ration Card, follow these steps:

1. Visit the official site of the Government of Maharashtra - Food, Civil, Supplies and Consumer Protection Department https://mahafood.gov.in/website/english/home.aspx

 

2. Click on the ‘Download’ tab that is located on the left side navigation panel of the webpage

 

3. You will be redirected to the download page

4. Now click on the ‘Form 1 : Application for new ration card’ link

 

 

5. Print the form and fill in all the necessary details accurately

6. Attach all the requested documents to support your application

7. Submit the duly filled form and the documents to the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Center

 

 Note that you are required to affix a ₹2 stamp during the submission of your form.

 

You can also apply for a ration card in Maharashtra through the ‘Aaple Sarkar’ portal provided by the state government. It facilitates easy access to the residents for several services.

Here’s how you can directly apply online for a new ration card:

1. Visit the official portal of Aaple Sarkar https://aaplesarkar.mahaonline.gov.in/en/Login/Login

2. Select ‘CITIZEN LOGIN’ and log in with your credentials if already registered

3. Else, register yourself on the portal by clicking on the ‘New User? Register Here..’

4. Once you are logged in, go to the left side of the webpage. You will see the ‘Services Available Online’ section

5. In this section, start scrolling down until you reach the ‘Food & Public Distribution System (PDS)’ section 

6. Click on the ‘Demand for new ration card’

7. You will be redirected to the ‘Certificate Name :- Demand for new ration card’ page

 

Read about what are the documents that are required along with other information. Ensure you have all these documents ready with you

         

 8. Now click on the ‘Apply’ tab and follow the instructions as prompted further

Depending on your income level, you can apply for the yellow card, the saffron card or the white card. Remember that you have to be a resident of the state to be eligible for the card. If you fall within the income categories recognised above, make sure you apply for your Maharashtrian ration card soon, so you can purchase essential foods and grains at subsidised rates.

 

In addition to this, your ration card is also accepted as a valid ID/address proof. So, if you wish to avail a housing loan, for instance, you can visit Bajaj Markets and check out the loans available at competitive rates. Your ration card can then be submitted as a part of the paperwork.