How to apply a for ration card in India?

A Ration Card is a document issued under an order or authority of the State Government, as per the Public Distribution System, for the purchase of essential commodities from fair price shops.

Commonly referred to as Permanent Ration Card (PRC) it is called Household Consumer Card (HCC) in government offices.

Benefits of Ration Cards

• A Ration Card is a very useful document for Indian citizens. It ensures citizens in the procurement of essential commodities at a subsidised rate.

• Nowadays, it has also become an important tool of identification.

Use of Ration Card as ID proof

One is asked to produce a copy of Ration Card as an ID proof at the time of applying for other documents like:

• Domicile Certificate,

• Inclusion of name in the Electoral Rolls,

• Getting driving license,

• Telephone connections,

• Mobile SIM cards,

• Passports, etc.

Type of Ration cards

• State Governments issue distinctive Ration Cards to Above Poverty Line, Below Poverty Line and Antyodaya families.

• Families living below the poverty line are entitled to get Blue/Yellow/Green/Red cards (issued by distinctive states) under which they can avail special subsidies.

• Sometimes state governments also issue temporary Ration Cards, which are valid for a specified number of months and are issued for relief purposes.

• For kerosene oil, one has to obtain an additional card commonly called Blue card. Blue card is issued to only such persons who do not use LPG.

Concerned authorities

• One will have to visit the District Supply Officer/District Food and Supplies Controller/Assistant Food and Supplies Officer/Inspector Food and Supplies in their region to obtain the application form for making a new Consumer Ration Card.

• The person can also contact at a Circle Office and get a form.

• Nowadays, these forms are also available at web portals. (click here for download the proforma for Delhi)

• After getting the form one should fill in the particulars.

Who can apply for a ration card?

• Any person permanently residing who desires to have a ration can be issued if:

• He, or some other person on his behalf, is not already in possession of such a card.

• He or any member of his family is not included in another ration card.

How to apply for ration card?

• Obtain the application form for making a new Consumer (Ration) Card from Circle Office or District Supply Office (in some states).

• The consumer will get prescribed form D-1 from the above mentioned offices.

Documents required for applying for a Ration Card

For specified proof(s) of residence

• Water or Electricity bill

• Name in the voters' list

• Name in the family register

• Letter of the Head of the department if the applicant is in service

• In case of tenant, NOC of landlord or any other relevant document like rent agreement or receipt.

Surrender/Deletion Certificate

• If the applicant has shifted from another place then a cancellation of the old ration card is also required.

Photo proof

• Passport-sized photographs of the head of the family attested by a gazetted officer/MLA/MP/Municipal Councillor.

• In case one is not able to provide any proof of residence, the Circle FSO conducts spot inquiries by recording the statements of two independent witnesses in his/her neighbourhood.

Fee

• Except the cost of Ration card, i.e, Rs 3, no other fee is charged for the service.

• The fee may vary from state to state between Rs 3 and 15.

Tatkal Service

• For obtaining services under Tatkal Service (in some states), the applicant will have to deposit Rs. 100/- as processing fee and obtain receipt from the office.

Time for preparation of Ration Card

• The standard prescribed time schedule for the preparation of a Ration Card is generally 15 days.

However, the procedure and time limit may vary from State to State.