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Types of Ration Cards Issued in India
State food and civil supplies departments classify ration cards based on socioeconomic criteria defined under the National Food Security Act (NFSA):
| Card Type | Target Beneficiary | Monthly Quota Entitlement | Typical Card Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAY (Antyodaya) | Poorest households, daily wage laborers, landless marginal families. | 35 kg foodgrains per household per month (Free under central scheme). | Yellow / Pink |
| PHH (Priority Household) | Below Poverty Line (BPL) and low-income urban/rural households. | 5 kg foodgrains per member per month. | Blue / Green / White |
| NPHH (Non-Priority) | Above Poverty Line (APL) families needing an official residence and identity proof. | Subject to state quota; primarily serves as legal address documentation. | White / Saffron |
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Mandatory Aadhaar e-KYC Verification Process
To maintain transparency and eliminate duplicate cards, the Central Government has mandated that every family member whose name is printed on the ration card must complete biometric verification:
- Visit Nearest Fair Price Shop (FPS): Carry your original Aadhaar Card and the physical Ration Card to the local ration dealer.
- Biometric Scan on e-PoS Device: The dealer inputs your Ration Card number into the electronic Point of Sale (e-PoS) terminal.
- Fingerprint / Iris / Face Authentication: Each family member places their thumb on the scanner or looks into the camera for facial authentication.
- Real-time UIDAI Validation: Upon successful biometric match, the UIDAI database records the member as 'e-KYC Verified'.
How to Check Ration Card Status Online (State-Wise)
National NFSA Portal
Visit nfsa.gov.in > 'Citizen Corner' > 'Know Your Ration Card Status'. Enter your Ration Card number and captcha to view household details and active member counts.
Pan-India Central RegistryMera Ration App
Download the official Mera Ration app from Google Play Store. Log in using your Aadhaar number to view your nearest ration shop, past 6-month grain transactions, and ONORC eligibility.
Official Ministry AppDocuments Required for New Ration Card Application
- Identity Proof of Head of Household: Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, or PAN Card. (Under NFSA guidelines, the senior-most female member aged 18+ is registered as the Head of the Household).
- Aadhaar Cards of All Family Members: Copies of Aadhaar for spouse, children, and parents.
- Proof of Residence: Electricity bill, water bill, or registered rent agreement.
- Income Certificate: Issued by the Revenue Tehsildar or Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM).
- Bank Passbook Copy: Linked bank account IFSC and account number of the female head.
- Passport Size Photographs: Joint family photo or passport photograph of the applicant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if a family member's fingerprint fails on the e-PoS machine?
For senior citizens or manual laborers with worn finger ridges, Fair Price Shops are equipped with Iris Scanners and Aadhaar Face Authentication through smartphone camera integration. Alternatively, an OTP can be sent to the member's registered Aadhaar mobile number.
How do I add a newborn baby's name to an existing Ration Card?
First, obtain the official Birth Certificate and the child's Aadhaar Card (Baal Aadhaar). Then, log in to your state's food civil supplies portal (or visit the CSC / Tehsildar office), select 'Add Member', upload the child's birth certificate and parents' Aadhaar copies.