- By Priyanka Payal
- Fri, 23 Jun 2023 06:05 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
A ration card is an official document issued by respective state governments in India. Through this card, eligible households can get food grains at subsidized rates.
Earlier, based on respective state governments’ identification, eligible households were allowed to buy food grains at subsidised prices through the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS).
In 2013, the government passed the National Food and Security Act (NFSA) to provide a fixed quantity of food grains to people at affordable rates. At present, those state governments which have implemented the NFSA issue two types of ration cards to the qualifying household in their respective states.
Why do you need a ration card?
1. To get food supplies from a ration shop at subsidized rates.
2. Ration card is an accepted form of official identification as it is issued by the government.
3. Ration card can be used as identification proof while applying for a PAN card.
4. The card is sometimes also used for opening a bank account and for transferring between bank accounts.
5. To pay the correct levels of income tax.
6. To get a new voter id card.
7. To purchase a mobile SIM card.
8. To apply for a passport.
9. To get a driving license and a new LPG connection
10. To withdraw life insurance.
Is it mandatory to link your ration card with Aadhaar card?
Since ration cards have been one of the oldest proof of residence in the country, linking your Aadhaar card with a ration card is mandatory to receive benefits. Aadhaar Ration card linking helps prevent any kind of fraud and ensures that eligible beneficiaries are not deprived of the benefits of ration cards. It also eliminates practices where one family holds multiple ration cards.
One should note that the last date to complete your Aadhaar-Ration card linking process has been extended from June 30 2023 to September 30, 2023
How to Renew a Ration Card?
Renewal of ration cards depends on state to state. Here are a few steps which you can follow to renew your ration card:
1. Send an SMS with RCREN<space><RATIONCARDNUMBER> to 9212357123.
2. You will receive a token number along with a security code on your registered phone number.
3. Visit any of the nearest ration card Seva Kendras and complete the biometric process.
4. Use the ‘service centre link’ to find your nearest service centre.
5. In case you want to add your family members, you have to provide an Aadhaar-based biometric authentication while filing an application. For children aged below 5 years, biometric authentication is not required; however, the Aadhaar card is compulsory. This application will then be processed for renewal
6. You are required to pay a fee of Rs.50 for the service.
Also Read: Last Date To Link Aadhaar Card And Ration Card Nears, Here’s How You Can Do It Online