How To Renew Your Ration Card & Access Subsidised Food In India
Ration cards are crucial documents in India that enable eligible households to access food grains and other essential items at subsidised rates. They play an integral role in the government’s efforts to ensure food security under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013. Over the years, different types of ration cards have been issued to cater to households based on their socio-economic conditions. If you’re looking to understand the types of ration cards, their benefits, and the process of renewing them, this article will guide you through.
What Is a Ration Card?
A ration card is an official document issued by state governments in India. Its primary purpose is to allow qualifying households to purchase food grains and essential commodities at subsidised prices through the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS). The NFSA, passed in 2013, formalised this system, ensuring that a certain quantity and quality of food items are made available to eligible families at affordable rates. Through fair price shops, families can access rice, wheat, and other grains, helping combat food insecurity across the country.
Types of Ration Cards in India
Ration cards in India have evolved over time to categorise households based on their income levels and socio-economic standing. Under the NFSA and TPDS, the following ration cards are currently in use:
1. Priority Household (PHH) Ration Card
This card is issued to households identified by the government as meeting specific eligibility criteria. Each household is entitled to 5kg of food grains per person per month at subsidised rates. The prices are set at Rs.3 per kg for rice, Rs.2 per kg for wheat, and Rs.1 per kg for coarse grains. The priority households are identified by state governments through a set of inclusive and exclusive guidelines.
2. Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) Ration Card
Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) is targeted at the poorest of the poor, including those who do not have a stable income. Individuals such as daily wage workers, rickshaw pullers, and unemployed persons are eligible for this card. AAY cardholders are entitled to 35kg of food grains per month per family, with 20kg of rice and 15kg of wheat at highly subsidised rates of Rs.3 per kg for rice and Rs.2 per kg for wheat.
3. Non-Priority Household (NPHH) Ration Card
While PHH and AAY cards focus on low-income households, the Non-Priority Household (NPHH) cards are for families that do not qualify under the NFSA criteria. These cardholders are not eligible for subsidised food grains but can still access fair price shops for purchasing non-subsidised items.
Types of Ration Cards No Longer in Use
Some types of ration cards that were once issued under the TPDS are no longer distributed due to reforms in the public distribution system:
- Above Poverty Line (APL) Ration Card: Issued to households living above the poverty line, these cards did not offer significant subsidies.
- Below Poverty Line (BPL) Ration Card: Issued to families below the poverty line, this card was once used to identify households eligible for subsidised food grains.
- Annapurna Yojana (AY) Ration Card: This was designed for elderly individuals (65 years and older) who were living in poverty. They were entitled to a specific amount of food grains free of charge under this scheme.
If your ration card has expired or is due for renewal, you can follow a straightforward process to renew it
- Visit the Nearest Seva Kendra
Head to the nearest ration card Seva Kendra (service centre) to start the renewal process. The renewal process generally involves a biometric verification step, where you and your family members must authenticate your identities using Aadhaar-based biometric data. - Aadhaar Authentication
For adults and children above five years of age, Aadhaar-based biometric authentication is required. For children under five, only the Aadhaar card is necessary, without the need for biometric verification. Ensure you have your family members' Aadhaar cards ready when filing the renewal application. - Pay the Renewal Fee
There is a nominal service fee associated with renewing your ration card, which can vary by state. After paying this fee, your application will be processed, and you will receive the renewed ration card in due course.
The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, was a milestone in India’s efforts to combat hunger and ensure access to affordable food for all. Through the issuance of PHH and AAY ration cards, the NFSA provides a lifeline to millions of families who depend on subsidised food grains for their sustenance.
The Act outlines the entitlement of food grains for cardholders as well as the prices at which they can purchase these items. The prices—Rs.3 per kg for rice, Rs.2 per kg for wheat, and Rs.1 per kg for coarse grains—are set to ensure that even the most economically disadvantaged individuals can access enough food to meet their needs.
The Evolving Role of Ration Cards
Ration cards continue to play a crucial role in India’s social welfare system, ensuring food security for millions of households across the country. With different types of ration cards designed to meet the needs of various socio-economic groups, the system has become more efficient and inclusive over the years. Renewing a ration card is a simple yet essential step in ensuring continued access to subsidised food grains. As the government continues to streamline the public distribution system, ration cards remain a vital tool in addressing hunger and promoting food equity in India.