How to apply for ration card and check status online

A ration card is an official document which is issued by the state government to households who are eligible for subsidised food grain from the Public Distribution System (PDS) under the National Food Security Act. The important document can also be used as ID proof for making a Domicile certificate, Birth certificate, and Voter ID card, among other things. Now you can procure the ration card form online and apply for a ration card. Individuals can also check their ration card status online, add names, and download the e-ration card from the state governments website. In this article we will cover how to get ration card details online, get it linked with Aadhaar card and more.

Who are eligible for ration card in India?

To apply for a ration card the following criteria should be met by an individual.

1. First, only Indian citizens can apply for ration card.
2. You should not have a ration card of any other state.
3. Only Indian citizens above the age of 18 years can apply for a ration card.
4. Minors / children below 18 years can be included under their parents’ ration card.
5. The applicant and members of the family must be close relatives and should not possess any other family card in the same state.

What are the two types of Ration cards?

There are 2 types of ration cards issued by the Indian government.

1. Below Poverty-Line (BPL) ration card- The BPL ration card has different cards separated by colours depending upon entitlement to various subsidies on food, fuel and other goods.
2. Non-BPL ration card-The non-BPL ration cards are white in colour and issued to people above the poverty line.

List of Documents needed to Apply for Ration Card

Here is the list of documents that are needed to apply for a Ration card

1. A State Application form
2. An Identify proof (Election Id, Driving License, Passport, Government Id Card)
3. A Residence proof (like Electricity Bill, Telephone Bill, LPG Receipt, Bank Passbook, Rental Agreement)
4. The head of the family’s picture
5. The Applicant’s annual income proof
6. Any cancelled/surrendered ration card