One Nation One Ration Card: The Government of India has launched the ‘One Nation One Ration Card’ system nationwide. Its primary objective is to ensure that eligible beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) do not face difficulties in obtaining rations when they relocate to a different city or state for employment or other reasons. A major benefit of this system is that it aids migrant workers and their families. Now, if an individual holds a ration card from one state but moves to another for work, they can collect their entitled ration from a local ration shop in the new state, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
What is ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’?
Previously, ration card facilities were often tied to a specific local area. As a result, families moving to another state for employment often faced challenges accessing rations. The ONORC system was introduced to alleviate this issue. Under this system, eligible ration cardholders can obtain rations in any part of the country using their existing ration cards.
Simply put, even though the ration card is issued for a specific location, the facility to collect rations is available elsewhere. This facility is particularly beneficial for those who have settled in different states or are residing there for manual labour or other employment.
Implemented across all states and Union Territories
The ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ national portability system has been implemented across all 36 states and Union Territories of the country. Its direct objective is to enable eligible individuals to access rations anywhere in the nation. This eliminates the need for individuals to return to their native village or city solely to collect rations after moving to another state.
Who will benefit from the scheme?
The ONORC facility is primarily available to eligible ration cardholders covered under the NFSA. This includes the key categories under the NFSA: Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Priority Households (PHH). Ultimately, the quantity of rations and other benefits is determined based on an individual’s eligibility and relevant government regulations.
Why is this important for migrant workers?
Many people in the country travel from their villages or other cities in search of employment. This group includes labourers, domestic workers, and individuals employed in various other sectors. Consider a scenario where a person’s family resides in Uttar Pradesh, but one family member has moved to Delhi for work. Under the ONORC system, that individual can collect their share of rations from a ration shop in Delhi itself, based on their eligibility. This eliminates the need to repeatedly return to the village just to collect rations.
What is the process for collecting rations?
Electronic Point of Sale (e-PoS) machines are used at ration shops to verify beneficiaries’ identities. Typically, identification is established using the ration card or Aadhaar-linked details. Eligible individuals receive their entitled rations after biometric verification, confirming identity via thumbprint or other methods. This digital system helps make ration distribution more organised and transparent.
Family members can collect rations from different locations
A key feature of the ONORC scheme is that eligible individuals can collect their share of rations from different locations, depending on their needs. If some family members are in their village while another is working in a different state, the portability feature allows that member to collect their share of rations at their current location. Thus, the family continues to benefit from food security despite relocating for employment.
What is the ‘Mera Ration’ app?
The government has launched the ‘Mera Ration’ app to provide information related to rations. Through this app, beneficiaries can locate nearby Fair Price Shops and view details regarding their rations. It enables people to find out when ration shops are open and access information about their specific ration entitlements. However, the features and information provided on the app are subject to periodic updates. Therefore, it is advisable to rely on official sources for specific or critical information.
Key Benefits of ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’
This government system offers several significant benefits to eligible beneficiaries. These include the facility to collect rations in other states, relief for migrant families, the elimination of the need to change ration cards, increased transparency through a digital system, and greater convenience for family members.
What are the ration quantities and prices?
Ration quantities and prices depend on the beneficiary’s category and the government regulations in force at the time. Therefore, it is incorrect to assume that every ration card holder will receive rations at the same quantity and price across the country. Beneficiaries should verify their ration entitlement details based on their card category, state-specific rules, and the prevailing food distribution system. Additionally, the government may periodically announce decisions regarding free food grains or other food security measures. Hence, it is advisable to consult the official Food Department for information on current benefits.
What to do if the biometric system fails?
Technical issues, network problems, or difficulties with biometric verification can sometimes occur. In such situations, instead of panicking, beneficiaries should contact the ration shop dealer or the relevant Food Department. One can inquire about alternative procedures available under the state’s food supply system to resolve the issue.
How many people benefit from the government scheme?
The ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ (ONORC) system aims to provide portability benefits to crores of eligible beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). It specifically benefits individuals who frequently move from one place to another for employment or other reasons. This system is a crucial step towards making food security in the country more portable.
Is it necessary to get a new ration card made?
If an individual is already an eligible ration card holder under the NFSA and wishes to avail the benefits of ONORC portability, there is no need to get a new ration card simply because they have moved to another state. However, the ration card status, Aadhaar seeding, and other essential details must be accurate. You can get information about the need for a new ration card or any amendments from the respective state’s Food and Supplies Department.
Conclusion
‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ (ONORC) is a beneficial system for eligible families who have to relocate to a different city or state for employment or other reasons. It enables ration card portability, allowing eligible beneficiaries to access their food security benefits in other parts of the country. This system is particularly significant for migrant workers and their families. Efforts have made ration distribution easier and more transparent through features such as digital ePoS machines, Aadhaar-based verification, and portability.