The National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013 entitles over 80 crore Indians to free food grains — 5 kg per person per month at zero cost under PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY). The ration card is the document that identifies your family as eligible and connects you to your local Fair Price Shop (ration shop).
If you don’t have a ration card, or if your family has recently moved and needs to transfer one, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Types of Ration Cards
- Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) Card — for the poorest of the poor: destitute families, elderly living alone, widows, disabled persons with no income. Entitled to 35 kg of grains per month per family at subsidised rates.
- Priority Household (PHH) Card — for households below the state poverty line who are included in the NFSA list. Entitled to 5 kg per person per month (free under PMGKAY).
- Non-Priority / APL Card — for families above the poverty line. Benefits vary by state and availability.
Who is Eligible?
Eligibility is decided by each state government based on SECC data and state-defined criteria. Generally, you may be eligible if:
- Your household income is below the state poverty line
- You do not own agricultural land above a certain threshold (varies by state)
- No member of your household pays income tax
- You do not already have a ration card in another state
How to Apply for a New Ration Card
Ration cards are issued by state governments, so the exact process varies slightly. Here is the general process:
- Visit your state’s Food Department portal or Tehsil/Block office — most states now accept online applications. Search “[your state] new ration card apply online”
- Fill the application form — include all family members’ names and Aadhaar numbers
- Attach required documents (see below)
- Submit the form — online or at the nearest ration office/CSC
- Get an acknowledgment number — use this to track your application
- A Field Verification Officer may visit your home to verify details
- Card is issued within 30 days in most states
Documents Required
- Aadhaar cards of all family members
- Proof of residence (electricity bill, rent agreement, or voter ID)
- Passport-size photos of the head of household
- Income certificate (if applying for BPL/AAY category)
- Bank passbook (for some states)
- Declaration that you don’t have a ration card elsewhere
Add a New Family Member to Existing Card
If a new baby is born, or you got married and want to add your spouse, visit your nearest ration office or the state Food Department portal with:
- Birth certificate (for newborn)
- Marriage certificate (for spouse)
- Aadhaar of the new member
- Existing ration card
Ration Not Received? File a Complaint
If your ration is being denied, short-measured, or the shop is closed:
- Call the Ration Helpline: 1967 (free from any mobile)
- File a complaint at pgportal.gov.in
- Contact your District Supply Officer
- File an RTI asking for your Fair Price Shop’s sales records
Free · Available in most states
Quick Summary
- Apply at your state Food Department portal or nearest Tehsil office
- Keep Aadhaar, address proof, and income certificate ready
- Card should be issued within 30 days
- Use your card at any shop in India under One Nation One Ration Card
- Call 1967 for any ration-related complaints
All information sourced from nfsa.gov.in. Eligibility and process vary by state. MeraHaq is not affiliated with any government body.