Ration is the main support of food security for the poor and weaker sections in India. It saves poor people from hunger. You may have seen that a person goes to a ration shop with his ration card, and the shopkeeper gives him ration. This system has been running for a long time. But with time, the government has made a big change in it. Today, the scheme ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ is being promoted all over the country. Let us understand it in detail through our report today.

What is ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’?

The One Nation, One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme is started by the Government of India. This scheme allows people to get their ration from any shop (FPS) in the country using the same ration card, no matter which state or union territory they are in. This scheme is very helpful for workers, laborers, and poor families who move from one place to another for work.

Ration Card Digitisation – How Does It Work?

To run the One Nation, One Ration Card scheme, ration cards were made digital. State governments link their existing ration cards to a central database. Here is how it works in simple words:

Aadhaar-seeding: Each ration card is linked to the person’s Aadhaar number. This gives every person a unique digital identity.

National Database: Data from all states and union territories is kept in one national database. It shows which person belongs to which state and how much ration they have taken.

E-PoS machines: Electronic Point of Sale (e-PoS) machines are installed at ration shops. When a person comes to take ration, they use their Aadhaar number and biometric verification. The machine checks the data from the central database instantly.

Benefits of the ‘One Nation One Ration Card’ (ONORC) Scheme

  1. About 81 crore people will benefit from this scheme as ration cards are now digital.
  2. People can take ration from any ration shop in the country using their ration card and Aadhaar card.
  3. This scheme is very helpful for laborers who move from one state to another for work.
  4. It is easier to find and stop duplicate or fake ration cards, so only real beneficiaries get ration.
  5. The scheme helps India achieve the UN goal SDG 2 (eliminate hunger by 2030). Now no one will remain hungry wherever they live.
  6. e-PoS machines at every shop make giving and taking ration easy and clear.

Who is Eligible?

All ration cardholders under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, who have linked their ration card with Aadhaar, are eligible.

How to Apply for Ration Card

Getting a ration card is now very easy. You can apply online or offline.

Online Process:

  • Visit your state food department’s website.
  • Create a new user account with your name, mobile number, and email.
  • Click on ‘New Ration Card’ or ‘Apply for Ration Card’.
  • Fill all details: head of family, address, income, and family member info.
  • Upload scanned copies of required documents.
  • Pay the application fee online.

Offline Process:

  1. Get the form from your local food supply office or ration shop.
  2. Fill the form with correct information.
  3. Attach photocopies of necessary documents.
  4. Submit the form and documents to the office.
  5. How Does the Common Man Benefit from ONORC?
  6. Get ration anywhere: Migrant workers or anyone can take ration from any shop in any state using their old ration card.
  7. Food security: Earlier, people moving to other states could not get ration. Now, they get ration wherever they are.
  8. Reduce corruption: Linking ration cards with Aadhaar and using e-PoS machines ensures ration is given only to real beneficiaries.
  9. Save time and hassle: People do not need to depend on old shops or get a new ration card every time they move.