One Nation One Ration Card Scheme - ONORC

The Government of India launched the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme to ensure that migrant workers can get items necessary for survival such as grains, rice, fuel, among others. You can get all of these at subsidised rates from Public Distribution Shops (PDS) all over the country. 

 

The One Nation One Ration Card scheme was unveiled on May 16, 2020 in the light of pandemic. The way this works is that an existing Ration Card holder will have to get their ordinary card converted into what will be known as an ONORC Card to get the benefits of the scheme. With this, all beneficiaries of the One Nation One Ration Card scheme will be able to procure food and essentials at subsidised rates from any PDS in the country.

 

The One Nation One Ration Card scheme was rolled out by the Finance Minister on May 16 during the last phase of the Prime Minister’s Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, which included stimulus funds of ₹20 lakh crore. This ration card has been launched in all states and Union Territories in the country and 20 states have already agreed to implement this scheme.

It has been observed that approximately 80 crore beneficiaries are entitled to receive food and grains at subsidised rates under the National Food Security Act, 2013. However, out of the 80 crore beneficiaries, only 23 crore ration cards have been actually issued across Indian states and Union Territories.

 

Prior to the introduction of the One Nation One Ration Card scheme, an ordinary ration card holder could only purchase such items from the PDS in their locality. It is due to this reason that migrants in the country found it hard to sustain a lifestyle in a city. However, once these beneficiaries convert their existing ration cards to the ONORC card, they will be able to buy subsidised food items from any Fair Price Shop shop in India.

The Finance Minister also mentioned that for the citizens who do not own a state or central issued PDS card, they will be given 1 kilogram of ‘chana’ and 5 kilograms of grain for the next two months.

The major benefit of the One Nation One Ration Card scheme is that beneficiaries can get food items and essentials at any FPS shop across the country. Long story short, the One Ration card can help ease the livelihood of migrant workers all over the country.

 

To summarise, the benefits of the One Ration Card are as follows:

• Under the One Nation One Ration Card scheme, beneficiaries from one state can easily get their share of ration in another state. The ONORC initiative is aimed at providing migrant workers with universal access to PDS food grains.
  

• The ONORC scheme will also give beneficiaries the opportunity to choose their own supplier. This implies that the beneficiary can switch to a vendor of their choice in case they are not happy with their current one.
  

• This scheme will prove to be beneficial for women and other groups as well.
  

• The initiative will also help the government achieve the target that was set under the UN initiative of Sustainable Development Goals 2: Ending hunger by 2030.

The Mera Ration App plays a crucial role in India's ONORC initiative, by making the process of accessing your ration card simpler and easier. This mobile application enhances portability, transparency, and accessibility for ration cardholders.

Facilitates Ration Portability

The Mera Ration App allows National Food Security Act (NFSA) beneficiaries, especially migrant workers, to access their allocated food grains from any FPS in India, irrespective of their home state. This eliminates dependency on a single ration shop and ensures food security across states.

Helps Beneficiaries Locate Nearby FPS

Using GPS-based technology, the app enables users to locate the nearest Fair Price Shop where they can get subsidised food grains under ONORC.

Provides Real-Time Transaction Details

The app offers real-time information on ration transactions, helping beneficiaries track their food grain distribution history, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Assists in Checking Ration Entitlement

Users can check their monthly ration entitlements, including the quantity of rice, wheat, and other commodities they are eligible for, based on their ration card type.

Supports Aadhaar-Based Authentication

The app facilitates Aadhaar-linked authentication, ensuring that only legitimate beneficiaries receive subsidised food grains. This prevents fraudulent claims and improves efficiency in the distribution system.

Multilingual Interface for Ease of Use

Since ONORC is implemented across multiple states, the Mera Ration App supports multiple Indian languages, making it user-friendly for people from diverse linguistic backgrounds.

Enables Status Checking of Aadhaar Seeding

The app helps beneficiaries verify whether their Aadhaar is linked to their ration card, a requirement for enjoying ONORC benefits.

Allows Registration of Migrant Workers

Migrant beneficiaries can register their movement through the app, ensuring they receive their entitled food grains without disruptions due to inter-state migration.

Provides Helpline and Grievance Redressal

The app includes helpline numbers and support features, enabling users to raise complaints or seek assistance regarding any issues faced at FPS.

By bridging the gap between beneficiaries and the PDS, the Mera Ration App empowers all individuals to access their entitled food grains effortlessly. Here are its key benefits:

• Seamless Ration Portability – Allows NFSA beneficiaries, especially migrants, to access subsidised food grains from any FPS across India

• Nearby FPS Locator – Uses GPS to help users find the nearest Fair Price Shop

• Real-Time Transaction Tracking – Enables beneficiaries to check their ration distribution history

• Ration Entitlement Check – Displays monthly food grain allocation details

• Aadhaar-based Authentication – Ensures only legitimate beneficiaries receive food grains, preventing fraud

• Multi-language Support – Provides ease of access in multiple regional languages

• Aadhaar Seeding Status Check – Helps users verify if their Aadhaar is linked to their ration card

• Migrant Registration – Allows migrant workers to register and continue receiving entitlements

• Helpline & Grievance Support – Provides assistance for issues related to ration distribution

The ONORC initiative has evolved over time, incorporating technological advancements and policy improvements to enhance its effectiveness. The major developments include:

• Integration of States & Union Territories – Over time, all states and UTs have been brought under the ONORC framework for complete nationwide implementation

• Enhanced Digital Infrastructure – Strengthens the ration distribution system with digitised records, Aadhaar seeding, and biometric authentication

• Launch of the Mera Ration App – Empowers beneficiaries with a mobile platform for FPS location tracking, entitlement checks, and transaction history

• Focus on Migrant Welfare – Ensures food security for migrant workers by allowing them to access subsidised grains anywhere in India

• Improved Transparency – Reduces corruption and leakages in the PDS by making ration distribution trackable and accountable

• Ease of Access – Simplifies the process of getting rations through automation, self-service options, and multi-language support

• Continuous Policy Updates – The government refines ONORC policies to further enhance efficiency and ease of use for beneficiaries

Here are some simple steps you can follow to apply for the ration card:

Application Process

Applying for the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) ensures that beneficiaries can access subsidised food grains across India, regardless of their location. Follow these steps to apply:

Step 1: Check Eligibility

• The applicant must be a beneficiary under the NFSA

• The household should not already have an active ration card in another state

• Aadhaar linking is mandatory for all family members listed on the ration card

Step 2: Visit the Nearest FPS or State Ration Office

• Approach the nearest FPS or the local Food and Civil Supplies Department’s office

• Request the ONORC application form or download it from the state government’s PDS portal

Step 3: Fill Out the Application Form

• Provide personal details, including the head of the family's name, address, and Aadhaar number

• List the names and Aadhaar details of all family members who need to be included in the ONORC system

• Attach a passport-sized photograph of the head of the family

Step 4: Attach Required Documents

Ensure you have the following documents ready:

• Aadhaar Card (of all family members)

• Old Ration Card (if applicable)

• Proof of Residence (Electricity bill, rental agreement, etc.)

• Income Certificate (if required by the state)

• Recent Passport-sized Photograph

Step 5: Submit the Application

• Submit the completed form along with the required documents at the ration office or the designated FPS

• Some states also allow online applications via their respective PDS portals

Step 6: Biometric Verification & Aadhaar Seeding

• Officials will conduct Aadhaar-based biometric authentication to verify the applicant’s identity

• Once verified, the details will be updated in the digitised PDS

Step 7: Receive Your ONORC-enabled Ration Card

• After verification, the ONORC-enabled ration card will be issued

• The updated ration card details will reflect in the Mera Ration App for seamless access

As per the Finance Minister, the portability procedure of the current ration card to the One Ration card will be carried out on an intra-state and inter-state basis. It will be done online through various portals assigned for the task.

 

The Integrated Management of Public Distribution System (IMPDS) will provide the technological platform to initiate portability of inter-state ration cards. Additionally, one can also port their ration card on the Annavitran portal. It will help migrant families to get the benefits of procuring food at a PDS within their state but outside their district. 

 

The portability facility is currently available in 20 states at the moment. According to the data available on the IMPDS portal, 275 applications were received on the launch day. As per the reports, the number of transactions for the portability of the intra-state ration card is much higher.

The ONORC was officially rolled out on June 01, 2020. However, at the moment, there are a total of 17 states and 8 Union Territories on board to roll out the interstate portability of the ration card under the National Food Security Act. They are as follows:

• Andhra Pradesh
  

• Gujarat
  

• Goa
  

• Jharkhand
  

• Haryana
  

• Kerala
  

• Madhya Pradesh
  

• Karnataka
  

• Rajasthan
  

• Maharashtra
  

• Tripura
  

• Uttar Pradesh
  

• Telangana
  

• Bihar
  

• Himachal
  

• Pradesh
  

• Punjab
  

• Dadra & Nagar Haveli
  

• Daman & Diu
  

• Odisha
  

• Mizoram
  

• Nagaland

   

In conclusion, the One Nation One Ration Card scheme is going to prove to be beneficial for migrant workers and their families that travel to other states for work purposes. To learn more about ration cards, visit Bajaj Markets.

If your state has integrated with the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme, and if you already hold a valid ration card in your state, you can choose to convert your card to the new national scheme. By doing so, you can benefit from subsidised food and grains across the country. You can also choose your own supplier with the card.

 

And like a state ration card, the ONORC card will also be accepted as a valid proof for various purposes. If you want to buy a house, for example, you can use the card as an ID/address proof for your home loan. On Bajaj Markets, you can get house loans at attractive rates of interest.