Maharashtra Ration Card 2025

A ration card helps families across India access essential items like food grains at lower prices. In Maharashtra, the state government introduced the Tri-Colour Ration Card Scheme on 1st May 1999.

Hence, you will find 3 types of ration cards in Maharashtra, namely Yellow, Saffron, and White, categorised as per the income level of the respective household.

The Maharashtra ration card is a government-issued document that identifies families eligible for subsidised food grains under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). It acts as both a proof of residence and eligibility for various government schemes such as the Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) and Annapurna Yojana.

The state has digitised the entire process, enabling citizens to apply, download, and check their digital ration card Maharashtra online through the official Maharashtra ration card website or the RCMC Maharashtra portal.

Maharashtra issues different types of ration cards based on the income level and food security status of families. These cards are colour-coded for easy identification.

1.Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) Ration Card - Yellow Card

• Issued to families with annual income of ₹15,000.
• Eligible households receive 35 kg of food grains per month at highly subsidised rates.
• The AAY ration card colour in Maharashtra is yellow.
  
  

2.Priority Household (PHH) Ration Card - Orange Card

• Issued to families with a maximum annual household income of ₹44,000 (rural) and ₹59,000 (urban).
• Each family member receives 5 kg of food grains per month at subsidised prices.
• The PHH card colour is saffron.

3.Non-Priority Household (NPH) Ration Card - Orange Card

• Issued to families with an annual household of up to ₹1 Lakh.
• The NPH ration card is primarily issued as proof of residence and identity.
• This is issued to households that do not qualify for AAY or PHH cards.
  
  

4.White Ration Card

• Provided to Above Poverty Line (APL) families with an annual household income of ₹1 Lakh or more.
• The white ration card is primarily issued as proof of residence and identity.

Here are some key benefits of having a ration card in Maharashtra:

• Helps the government track and manage the distribution of food and resources

• Allows beneficiaries to buy essential food items at subsidised rates

• Serves as a valid proof of identity for families and individuals

• Enables access to state and central government welfare schemes, such as housing, education, and healthcare benefits

To apply for a Smart Ration Card in Maharashtra, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Applicants and their families must not hold any ration cards from Maharashtra or any other state in India

• The applicant must be a permanent resident of Maharashtra to be eligible

• The applicant must meet the income requirements

• The applicant or immediate family members must not:

• Own a four-wheeler vehicle

• Pay professional tax, GST, or any other income taxes

• Immediate family members of the applicant must not be practising as a chartered accountant, attorney, doctor, or architect

When applying for a Maharashtra Ration Card, you will have to submit the following documents:

• Aadhaar Card of all family members
• Residence certificate or address proof
• Passport-size photographs
• Income certificate
• Electricity or water bill
• Family member details and birth certificates (if applicable)
• Old ration card copy (for modification or renewal)

Applicants can apply for a new ration card online through the official Maharashtra ration card website.

Steps to apply:

1. Visit the Aaple Sarkar Seva portal - https://aaplesarkar.mahaonline.gov.in/.
2. Log in or register using your mobile number.
3. Click on “New Ration Card Application”.
4. Fill in the ration card application form with personal, family, and address details.
5. Upload the required documents.
6. Submit the application and note the application reference number for future tracking.

Offline applications can also be submitted at the nearest rationing office or taluka office by filling the physical form and submitting required documents. You can collect the form from the local office or download and print a copy from the Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Protection Department website.

Know how to download your Maharashtra Card online by following these steps: 

• Step 01: Visit https://rcms.mahafood.gov.in/
• Step 02: Under the ‘RATION CARD’ section, click on ‘Know Your Ration Card’

• Step 03: Enter the captcha code on the next page and click on ‘Verify’

• Step 04: Enter your ‘Ration Card Number’ and click on ‘View Report’, post which you will be able to download your ration card

Follow these steps to check your Maharashtra ration card status online:

• Step 01: Visit Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Department - AePDS website at https://epos.mahafood.gov.in/

• Step 02: Click on ‘RC Details’

• Step 03: Input details such as month, year and ration card number

• Step 04: Once you click on ‘Submit’, you will able to check the status of your ration card

Here’s how can check the district wise ration card list:

• Step 01: On https://epos.mahafood.gov.in/, click on ‘महीने का सार ‘

• Step 02: You will get district wise details like total number of cards issued in the district, etc.

To make changes in your Maharashtra ration card (like adding a new family member or removing a deceased one):

1. Go to https://rcms.mahafood.gov.in.

2. Use the “Public Login” option to log in and select “Ration Card Modification”.

3. Choose the option to add or delete family members.

4. Upload supporting documents (marriage certificate, death certificate, or birth proof).

5. Submit and track the ration card modification status online.
   

For correcting errors like spelling, address, or age on your ration card:

1. Visit the official Maharashtra ration card website.

2. Log in using your credentials or your Aadhaar number or ration card number.

3. Go to the section for making corrections to your ration card.

4. Update the required information and upload supporting documents.

5. Submit your application and pay the prescribed fees.

6. Once the application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation SMS.

There are multiple channels for filing a complaint in regard to your Maharashtra ration card. Follow the steps mentioned below to raise a complaint through the official Maharashtra ration card portal:

Steps:

• Go to https://rcms.mahafood.gov.in.
• Select “Online Grievance” under the “Online Complaint” section.
• Choose your preferred option and fill in the necessary details.
• Mention the grievance and submit the form.
• Track updates through the same portal.

For assistance with ration card-related queries in Maharashtra, you can contact the following helpline numbers:

• Toll-Free Number: 1800-22-4950

• Alternate Helpline: 1967

For email inquiries, you can reach out to helpline.mhpds@gov.in for support related to ration cards in Maharashtra.

Depending on your income level, you can apply for the yellow card, the saffron card or the white card. Remember that you have to be a resident of the state to be eligible for the card. If you fall within the income categories recognised above, make sure you apply for your Maharashtrian ration card soon, so you can purchase essential foods and grains at subsidised rates.

In addition to this, your ration card is also accepted as a valid ID/address proof. So, if you wish to get a housing loan, for instance, you can visit Bajaj Markets and check out the loans available at competitive rates. Your ration card can then be submitted as a part of the paperwork.