AePDS-Punjab: Punjab Ration Card, How to Apply & Check Status

The Indian states have provisions for citizens to access basic necessities. The Public Distribution System carries out disbursal of these basics to individuals with a ration card.  The people of Punjab benefit from the Punjab ration card provisions. You can buy food and petroleum essentials at minimised rates, fulfilling vital needs without burdening anyone with financial stress. Hence, learning about the ration cards in Punjab, eligibility criteria, documents required, how to apply for one, etc. is crucial.

Since its inception in 1942, the Punjab Government's Department of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs has worked to enhance the Public Distribution System, the acquisition technique for food grains, and their preservation. Ration cards are distributed by the Department of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs.

People with a Punjab ration card can purchase food grains and petroleum products at reduced costs. The Public Distribution System (PDS) distributes these rationed products to the general public throughout the state. PDS is a Fair Price Shops (FPS) network that provides subsidized food grains and other items to beneficiaries. The Punjab ration card can also be used as proof of identity and residency in any private and public sector official transactions.

The state government has made the process easy so that the citizens can easily check the updates concerning the Punjab ration card. You can check the ration card list of Punjab by accessing the state’s Department of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs official website.

Here are the steps to follow:

• Step 1: Browse the official website of AePDS-Punjab at epos.punjab.gov.in in order to commence.

• Step 2: After accessing the site, you will see a tab on your left containing several options. Select ‘Month Abstract’.

• Step 3: Following that, a new page will open in which you will see the option of ‘Allotted Month.’ You are required to choose the month from the box.

• Step 4: Next, you will see a list containing ‘District Name, Total Inspector Mapped,’ and other details. Click on your district name.

• Step 5: Thereafter, a ‘Month Abstract’ of that district will appear. You can search for your name in that list.

You can follow the steps below to check your family members name in the Punjab ration card list:

• Step 1: Navigate to the official website of AePDS, Punjab.

• Step 2: On the home page click on the “Month Abstract” button.

• Step 3: On the new page select the appropriate month.

• Step 4: Once done, a district-wise list will appear on the screen.

• Step 5: Click on the appropriate district to view the inspector-wise list along with FPS ID and RC Number

• Step 6: Once you get the list, you can scroll through it to check the name of your family members.

You can follow the steps below to check the Punjab ration stock details step-by-step:

• Step 1: Navigate to the official website of AePDS.

• Step 2: On the home page, enter the allotted month, district, and FPS ID. 

• Step 3: Once done, click on the ‘Submit’ button.

With this, you can get the complete ration stock details of a Fair Price Shop on your screen.

Below are some of the prominent advantages of Punjab ration card:

• It is a government approved document and hence you can use it as an identity proof.

• This card authenticates the identification and nationality of a card holder.

• They can be used to understand the economic and demographic standing of a person.

• The cardholder can procure various food items using this card.

The state government has developed a smart ration card for citizens to make the whole process more convenient for the citizens. Here is the list of Punjab ration cards:

• AAY (Antyodya Anna Yojna) Cards - The AAY cards are provided to the lowest BPL households. People having AAY cards get 35-40 kg of foodgrains at a subsidized rate. Landless labourers, widows, families who do not have any source of income, etc can apply for this Punjab ration card.

• Priority Household (PHH) Cards - This card is for those families who are above the BPL. However, to qualify for benefits, ration cardholders in this group must meet the government's income requirements.

Below is the list describing the eligibility criteria for the Punjab ration card:

• The applicant must be a local citizen of the state.

• Having an Aadhaar card is obligatory for the applicant.

• A bank account should be held by the head of the family or the beneficiary.

• Only one ration card can be issued to a recipient who applies for the scheme. He/she should not possess any ration card from other states.

• The applicant must fall into the income slabs of the AAY and PHH schemes

Here are the steps to follow for offline method:

• Step 1: You are required to visit the PDS Punjab office.

• Step 2: Ask for an application form for the Punjab ration card from officials.

• Step 3: Fill in the form carefully with the essential details.

• Step 4: After completing the form submit it along with the supporting documents.

• Step 5: Next, you will have to pay charges decided by the state government.

• Step 6: Your Punjab ration card will be issued within 15 to 20 days after submitting the form.

Here is the list of documents required for a Punjab ration card:

• Proof of Identity (Aadhaar card, Voter Id card, Driving license)

• Proof of residence (Aadhaar card, Utility bills, Rent agreement)

• PAN Card

• Passport size photographs of all family members

• Aadhaar card of all family members

• Birth certificate

Here are the steps to check the Punjab ration card status online:

• Step 1: Go to foodsuppb.gov.in to check the ration card status of Punjab.

• Step 2: After visiting the site, you will see a tab of ‘Transparency Portal’ containing various alternatives. You are required to select ‘Ration Card Search (Aadhaar)’ among them.

• Step 3: Following that, you will be redirected to a page where you will be asked to enter the ‘Captcha.’

• Step 4: Next, you need to provide your ‘Aadhaar Number’ to see the report.

The Public Distribution System of grains and supplies has been active in Punjab for 8 decades. While the primary target audience are families below the poverty line, provisions are in place to cater to other lower income group families as well, that meet the eligibility criteria. This eligibility can be checked both online and offline. 

A valid ration card not only helps you get subsidised grains and oil, it also acts as an identity proof for availing home loans and financing. Check out the various, attractive, home loan options, at Bajaj Markets.