Ration Card Application Status

A ration card is an official document issued by the state governments in India under the Public Distribution System (PDS). It enables citizens to purchase essential goods from low-cost stores at subsidised rates. It is also considered a valid document for proof of identity and residential address.

 

Ration cards are classified into 3 categories:

• Above Poverty Line (APL)

• Below Poverty Line (BPL)

• Antyodaya Families

 

If you have applied for a ration card, you can easily track its status by visiting the official website of your state’s Food and Supplies Department.

You can carry out your NFSA ration card application status check by visiting the official page of National Food Security Portal - nfsa.gov.in/portal/apply_ration_card

• Step 1: Go to the NFSA’s official website https://nfsa.gov.in/  

• Step 2: Place the cursor on the ‘Citizen Corner’ tab. In case you are accessing the site via a smartphone, click on the 3 lines at the top right corner, and select ‘Citizen Corner’

• Step 3: From the drop-down menu select ‘Know Your Ration Card Status’

• Step 4: You will be redirected to the https://nfsa.gov.in/public/frmPublicGetMyRCDetails.aspx page

• Step 5: Enter your ration card number and captcha code 

• Step 6: Click on the ‘Get RC Details’ tab

 

You can also check ration card status by visiting your state’s official portal of the Food & Supplies Department.

Here are the steps to follow in order to apply for a ration card:

• Step 1: Visit your state’s official portal of the Food & Supplies Department

• Step 2: Follow the instructions as prompted by the portal 

 

Note: Every state has distinct instructions and procedures to apply for the ration card.

If you don’t know your ration card number or have misplaced your ration card, you can still access your e-ration card by following these simple steps:

• Step 1: Visit your state’s Public Distribution System (PDS) website
• Step 2: Carefully follow the instructions provided on the respective portal

 

Each state or union territory may have a unique process for accessing e-ration card services..

 

Note:

• The procedure to obtain an e-ration card varies across states and union territories.

• Some states offer dedicated self-service portals for easy access, while others provide direct links for ration card services.

• Typically, you can retrieve your e-ration card details using other information, such as your Aadhaar number, registered mobile number, or similar credentials.

Here is a list of official websites for accessing ration card services across various states and union territories in India:

Here are some key benefits you can get with the help of a ration card:

• Enables households to purchase essential commodities like rice, wheat, and sugar at subsidised rates through the Public Distribution System (PDS)

• Serves as a valid document for identity and residential proof in various official applications

• Acts as a gateway to access various state and central government welfare schemes

• Helps the government categorise households into different economic groups, such as APL, BPL, and Antyodaya families

• Provides essential support during natural disasters or emergencies by ensuring the supply of basic food items

• Often required when applying for documents like a domicile certificate, voter ID, or other government services

• Aids in maintaining an accurate database of households for effective planning and execution of welfare programmes

Here are some of the significant updates to the ration card regulations:

Mandatory e-KYC Verification

• The Government of India had made it mandatory for all ration cardholders to complete their Electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) verification by 30 September 2024

• Linking the Aadhaar card to the ration card is essential to complete the e-KYC process, ensuring continued access to ration benefits

• This measure is aimed at identifying ineligible individuals and preventing misuse of ration card benefits

• Failure to comply with the e-KYC requirement may result in the suspension of ration card privileges

One Nation, One Ration Card (ONORC) Scheme

• The ONORC scheme has been rolled out across all states in India

• It enables ration cardholders to purchase essential commodities from any Fair Price Shop (FPS) in the country

• It provides greater flexibility and convenience, especially for migrant workers and families

• Transactions under this scheme require biometric authentication at FPS outlets and are entirely digitised for transparency and efficiency

The Public Distribution System (PDS) helps economically weaker sections (EWS) access essential food items at subsidised rates. To benefit from this facility, possessing a ration card is mandatory. If you have already applied for one, you can easily track its status online via your state’s Food and Supplies Department website or the National Food Security Portal.