A Ration Card is a very important government-approved document that also serves as an identity document. It is extremely useful for those who come from economically weaker backgrounds or are not so financially well off to purchase necessary food items like kerosene, food grains, and other cooking necessities at lower prices. To apply for a ration card, each state Government has issued separate forms that can be filled out and submitted at a ration card office or online.
One can obtain a ration card from the state Government provided they fulfil all the eligibility criteria as listed below:
The individual applying for the ration card must be an Indian citizen.
It is important that the person does not have any cards from other states.
It is extremely crucial that the person and the family members listed in the form must be closely related.
Lastly, it should be noted that the person does not possess any other family card in the same state.
To apply for a ration card online, here are the steps that can be followed:
Step 1: Fill out all the mandatory sections in the form.
Step 2: Upload a scanned photo of the head of the family. It should be a JPG format image not exceeding 100 KB.
Step 3: Scan and upload the enclosures in JPG or PDF format that should not exceed 200 KB.
Step 4: Scan and upload all the necessary documents that are requested in the form.
Step 5: Submit the form online and pay the basic minimum fees.
Step 6: The inspector who is in charge will verify the information within 30 days of submitting the application.
Step 7: Ration cards will be ready for the applicant once all the details are verified and confirmed by the concerned authorities.
Step 8: In case the application is denied, a letter stating the reasons is issued to the applicant.
For an online ration card application, the following documents are required to be submitted by the applicant:
1. An application form that is completely filled and signed
2. Applicant’s ID proof includes the following:
a. Election ID
b. Passport
c. Aadhaar Card
d. Driving Licence
e. Any government-issued document
3. Residence proof of the applicant that includes the following
a. Electricity or Telephone Bill
b. Updated Bank Pass Book
c. Latest Rent or LPG receipt
d. Aadhaar card
e. Passport
f. Photograph of the family head
g. Annual income or salary slip of the applicant
h. In case the applicant has an old or cancelled ration card
4. 3 passport-sized photographs
5. LPG connection details
6. The contact information like email id and mobile number
7. All details about earlier rejected cards, if any
Here is a comprehensive list of all major states and how one can apply for a ration card in those states:
State |
Online Application |
Download form |
Status |
Andhra Pradesh |
Not Available |
Not Available |
|
Arunachal Pradesh |
Not Available |
Not Available |
|
Bihar |
Not Available |
Not Available |
|
Chattisgarh |
Not Available |
Not Available |
|
Gujarat |
Not Available |
||
Haryana |
Not Available |
Not Available |
|
Himachal Pradesh |
Not Available |
||
Jammu and Kashmir |
Not Available |
Not Available |
|
Jharkhand |
Not Available |
Not Available |
|
Kerala |
Not Available |
||
Maharashtra |
Not Available |
Not Available |
|
Mizoram |
Not Available |
Not Available |
|
Odisha |
Not Available |
||
Punjab |
Not Available |
Not Available |
|
Delhi |
Not Available |
Not Available |
|
West Bengal |
Not Available |
Not Available |
|
Andaman & Nicobar Islands |
Not Available |
Not Available |
|
Dadra and Nagar Haveli |
Not Available |
Not Available |
|
Tripura |
Not Available |
Not Available |
Now that you know the eligibility criteria and the documents required to apply for a ration card, you can conveniently do so online or physically, at the ration card office nearest to you. Once you get your ration card, you will be able to purchase necessary food items like grains, pulses, cooking oil, kerosene, and other essentials at significantly lower prices.
The ration card serves another important purpose. It acts as an official proof of identification, and address. Using it, you can apply for lending products such as a home loan online. Visit Bajaj Markets to view the loan options that you can choose from.
The three types of ration cards are Yellow, Saffron, and White ration cards. Yellow ration cards are for those families that live below the poverty line, Saffron ration cards are for those families with an income above Rs. 15,000 and less than Rs. 1 Lakh. White ration cards are for those families with an income above Rs 1 Lakh.
No, it is not necessarily required to have a ration card in India. But, having a ration card serves not only as identity proof but also works as proof of nationality issued by the State Government.