Ration cards hold a significant place in our economy and in the lives of those people who come from the economically weaker sections of society. These aren’t merely cards to purchase food but they are lifelines supporting millions of people in India.

The Government of India ensures that all the systems are consistently updated as per the changing times and demands of the people and hence has introduced certain New Ration Card Rules effective from September 1st, 2024. The changes are introduced to enhance the quality of the existing Public Distribution System, to increase transparency, and to make certain that those who need to avail the benefits of the ration card.

Also read: BPL Ration Cards: An Asset For Marginalised Communities In India

Key Changes In The Ration Card Rules

Some of the key changes introduced are:

• e-KYC for ration cardholders: The Government of India has announced mandatory Electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) for all ration cardholders by September 30th. To complete e-KYC, ration cardholders have to link their Aadhaar card with their ration cards to continue availing of the benefits of the ration card.

This step was taken to identify ineligible people who are availing the benefits of the ration card and stop them from doing so. People who wouldn’t comply with this verification process would lose the right to use a ration card.

• One Nation, One Ration Card (ONORC) Scheme: The ONORC scheme has been introduced in all the country's states. It entails:

• Allowing ration cardholders to purchase food from any fair Price Shop (FPS) in India. This allows the migrant workers and families to use their ration cards anywhere in India.

• All transactions are digitised and the purchase can be made via biometric authentication at any FPS.

• Strict eligibility criteria: It has been recorded that many ineligible people were availing of the benefits associated with having a ration card. Therefore, the Government of India has tightened the eligibility criteria for procuring ration cards.

Criteria	For people who reside in the Urban parts of the country	For people who reside in the Rural parts of the country
Annual Income	Rs. 3 lakhs and above	Rs. 2 lakhs and above
Owned Property	Flat/house owned larger than 100 sq. mt.	Should have a plot larger than 100 sq. mt.
Owned Vehicles	Four by four	Should have a tractor or four-wheeler

Read More: BPL Ration Cards: An Asset For Marginalised Communities In India

What Is A Ration Cardholder Supposed To Do?

To keep availing of the benefits that come with a ration card, all ration cardholders are supposed to:

• Complete e-KYC: Visit the nearest Service Centre and complete the e-KYC process free of charge with a ration card and Aadhaar card by September 30th.

• Eligibility: Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria which involves income verification, checking of assets, and Aadhaar card linking.

• Staying updated: Keep a check on the deadlines issued by the government of India and adhere to them accordingly.

Read more: Did You Generate Your Online Ration Card?

Challenges In Implementation

The New Ration Card Rules were surely long-awaited but the government still has to work on the implementation aspect of the rules. A recent case has been reported of a migrant worker who had to spend a considerably large amount of money to travel back to her village to complete the e-KYC verification process. The process of verification took 15 days due to delays in the process. The whole process didn’t only cost the worker time and money but physical and mental exhaustion as well.

The government of India introduced New Ration Card Rules to rule out the ineligible beneficiaries but this process is turning into an unwanted stress ball for the eligible ration cardholders. The government still has a long way to go to overcome such challenges and focus on proper execution channels so that people can complete the necessary steps about the rules.

Read More: Farming Made Easy With Kisan Credit Card Scheme

Conclusion

The New Ration Card Rules effective from September 1st, 2024 weren’t only needed but reflect the government of India’s commitment to keeping an efficient system and continuously enhancing its quality so that the rightful ration cardholders can continue availing its benefits.

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Important Links

National Food Security Portal: https://nfsa.gov.in/

Ration Card Details On State/UT Portal: https://nfsa.gov.in/portal/Ration_Card_State_Portals_AA

To Check The Status Of Ration Card: https://nfsa.gov.in/public/frmPublicGetMyRCDetails.aspx