Ration Card: The Indian government issues ration cards to provide relief to poor and middle-class families. This card not only serves as an identity document but also allows people to receive subsidized rations. Different categories of ration cards are issued based on a person’s economic status. Therefore, if a ration card is lost or stolen for any reason, the associated benefits can be immediately affected.

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What to do if your ration card is lost?

If your ration card is lost or stolen, the first thing you should do is report it to your nearest police station. You will need to file a written complaint or FIR (First Information Report). This FIR serves as an essential document when applying for a duplicate ration card.

Why is a duplicate ration card necessary?

Without a ration card, you cannot avail of government rations or benefit from several other schemes. Therefore, in case of a lost card, instead of applying for a new card, you apply for a duplicate ration card, which reissues the old information.

Offline application process for a duplicate ration card

For an offline application, the applicant needs to visit the DFSC (District Food and Supply Controller) office in their district. There, they can obtain the duplicate ration card form, which is called the D-Y form. After carefully filling out this form, it must be submitted along with the depot holder’s report, passport-sized photographs of all family members, and the receipt for the prescribed penalty fee. In some cases, a group photograph of the entire family may also be required. After all the documents are submitted, the application is verified, and the applicant is notified once the process is complete. The duplicate ration card can then be collected from the concerned office.

How to apply for a duplicate ration card online

Different states in India have different official websites for ration card-related services. Therefore, the online application process may vary slightly depending on the state. Generally, you need to visit the state’s ration card website and select the option related to a new or modified ration card. Applications are submitted here by filling in the required information and uploading details related to the FIR. After a successful submission, the application status can be tracked online.

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Important points to remember

All documents must be accurate and clear when applying for a duplicate ration card. Providing incorrect information may lead to the application being rejected. Therefore, before starting the process, be sure to obtain information from the official website of the concerned state or the local office.