Learn all about the Maharashtra Ration Card details, including eligibility, required documents, the application process, and how to track your application status.
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:
Ration Card Colour |
Income Level |
Yellow Ration Cards |
Families with an income up to ₹15000 p.a. |
Saffron Ration Cards |
Families with an income above ₹15,000 p.a. but less than ₹1 Lakh p.a. |
White Ration Cards |
Families with an income of ₹1Lakh p.a. and above |
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:
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:
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:
Visit the official portal of Aaple Sarkar https://aaplesarkar.mahaonline.gov.in/en/Login/Login
Select ‘CITIZEN LOGIN’ and log in with your credentials if already registered
Else, register yourself on the portal by clicking on the ‘New User? Register Here..’
Once you are logged in, go to the left side of the webpage. You will see the ‘Services Available Online’ section
In this section, start scrolling down until you reach the ‘Food & Public Distribution System (PDS)’ section
Click on the ‘Demand for new ration card’
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
Follow these steps to check your Maharashtra ration card status online:
Step 01: Visit Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Department - AePDS website at https://mahaepos.gov.in/
Step 02: Click on ‘RC Details’
Step 03: Input details such as month, year and ration card number
Step 04: Once you click on ‘Submit’, you will able to check the status of your ration card
Here’s how can check the district wise details:
Step 01: On https://mahaepos.gov.in/, click on ‘महीने का सार ‘
Step 02: You will get district wise details like total number of cards issued in the district, total wheat lifted etc.
Here are the steps:
Step 01: Visit the official website of Ration Card Management System for Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration at https://rcms.mahafood.gov.in/PublicLogin/frmPublicLogin.aspx
Step 02: Click on ‘Registered User’
Step 03: You can then login either through Aadhar number, User ID, or ration card number
Step 04: You will now see the dashboard. Click on ‘Ration Card Modification’
Step 05: Select the name of the person, whose details are to be updated
Step 06: On the next page, you can edit the name accordingly, accept the terms and conditions and hit the ‘Update’ button
Know how to download your Maharashtra Card online by following these steps:
Step 01: Visit https://rcms.mahafood.gov.in/
Step 02: Under the ‘RATION CARD’ section, click on ‘Know Your Ration Card’
Step 04: Enter your ‘Ration Card Number’ and click on ‘View Report’, post which you will be able to download your ration card
Download and install the ‘Mera Ration 2.0’ app
On the home screen, tap on the login option
Choose ‘Beneficiaries Users’, then enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and the captcha code
Click on ‘Login with OTP’. You will receive an OTP on the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar.
Enter the OTP to verify your identity
You may be prompted to set a 4-digit MPIN for quicker future logins. This step can be skipped if you prefer.
Once logged in, go to the home screen where your digital ration card will appear
For assistance with ration card-related queries in Maharashtra, you can contact the following helpline numbers:
Toll-Free Number: 1800-22-4950
Alternate Helpline: 1967
For email inquiries, you can reach out to helpline.mhpds@gov.in for support related to ration cards in Maharashtra.
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 get 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.
To avail a Maharashtra Ration Card, you have to be a resident of Maharashtra. It is important that you do not hold a Ration Card of any other state when applying for a Maharashtra Ration Card. Additionally, you must note that the Maharashtra Government has set an income criterion. You must meet the criteria set to apply for a Ration Card.
Yes, it is possible to make additions and delete the names of family members in the Ration Card. If you want to add the names of your family members to the card, you must fill the Form 8 and submit the same at the authority’s office. To delete the names of family members, you must fill Form 9.
No, you cannot do so. You have to be a resident of Maharashtra to hold a Maharashtra Ration Card.