Tamil Nadu New Ration Card Issuance Starts From This Date: Check Eligibility, Application Format

After a temporary halt due to the Lok Sabha elections, the issuance of new ration smart cards in Tamil Nadu is set to resume starting from June.

The state government has directed officials to prioritize the examination of petitions from smart card applicants once the election results are announced.

According to an official statement, the distribution of new smart cards will commence across all districts from June 5. However, it's important to note that smart cards will not be issued in Vikravandi constituency, as assembly by-elections are scheduled to take place in June.

An official stated that measures have been put in place to ensure the issuance of new smart cards to individuals who have either lost their cards or have requested corrections to be made on their existing cards.

The resumption of the smart card distribution process is expected to provide relief to numerous residents who have been awaiting the issuance of these essential cards. With the government's directive in place, officials are gearing up to facilitate a smooth and efficient distribution process across the state.

Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for obtaining a new ration card are as follows:

• Applicants and their families must be Indian citizens.
• They must reside and cook separately.
• They must be ordinary residents of Tamil Nadu.
• Neither the applicant nor any family member should possess a family card in any other state in India.
• Neither the applicant nor any family member should be listed in any other family card in Tamil Nadu.
• Applicants and their family members must be close relatives.

Download Application Format

The government has provided both English and Tamil application formats, which are accessible on the website. To utilize these forms, users must download Adobe Acrobat Reader, then print them out for completion.

Where should the application be submitted?

In Chennai city and its surrounding areas, completed applications along with the necessary documents should be submitted to the Assistant Commissioner of Civil Supplies of the respective zone where the applicant resides.

For districts other than Chennai, applications for family cards can be submitted to the Taluk Supply Officers of the Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Department, or the concerned Assistant Rationing Officers (in Coimbatore city) in the applicant's area of residence.

Applicants are advised to obtain an acknowledgement slip at the counter of the relevant Assistant Commissioner's or Taluk Supply Office.

Alternatively, applicants may choose to mail the application. However, it is recommended to send it by Registered Post with Acknowledgment Due (RPAD) to ensure proof of submission.

The Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Department plans to launch a comprehensive online application service by September 2008.

Documents:

Please ensure that the application, provided in the updated format above, is completed in full, signed, or accompanied by a thumb impression before submission. Failure to do so may result in rejection. The following documents must be included:

• Proof of the applicant's current residency in Tamil Nadu (a copy of the original document)
• Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC) OR
• Property tax payment receipt for owned houses (current year) OR
• Last month's electricity bill OR
• Last month's telephone bill OR
• Front page of the bank passbook OR
• Allotment orders for individuals residing in houses allocated by the Slum Clearance Board OR
• Passport OR
• Currently valid tenancy agreement (for rented houses)