National Food Security Cards

National Food Security Card is an official document issued by state governments in India as “Ration cards” to those households eligible to purchase food grain from the Public Distribution System under the subsidized price. National Food Security Card or Ration card is issued under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).

The NFSA permits up to 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population to obtain food grains at the subsidized price under Targeted Public Distribution System. This Act is being implemented in all the States/UTs in the country. This article provides the attributes of the National Food Security Card, its type, purpose, list of documents, etc.

What is the Pri may aim of the issuance of a National Food Security Card?

The National Food Security Card, also known as Ration Card, allows the holder:

• To get commodities like rice, sugar, fertilizers, kerosene, etc., at subsidized prices.
• Can purchase the essentials from any ration shop where the holder is covered under the ‘One Nation One Ration’ scheme. 
• The ration card also serves the purpose of an Identity Card for the holder of such card (and his/her entire family)

How many types of Ration Cards are issued by the Government?

As per NFSA, there are two types of ration cards:

1. Priority Household (PHH) ration cards
It is issued to those households that fulfill the terms and conditions set by their state government. Such priority household is allowed five kilograms of food grain per member per month.

2. Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) ration cards
It is issued to households covered under the "poorest of poor" category. Such households are entitled to receive thirty-five kilograms of food grain per month.

The ‘One Nation One Ration Card’ scheme covers Aadhaar based national ration card, which allows the holder to purchase subsidized food from any ration shop in the country. This scheme ensures food security for all (including internal migrants within India).

What documents are to be provided for the Ration Card?

As per the NFSA Guidelines 2013, The application for a ration card shall be accompanied by the following documents:

• Copy of Aadhar Card (all members of the family)
• Residential proof of the applicant (If the address is not the same as mentioned in the Aadhar Card)
• Income Certificate- issued by the Revenue Department (as applicable)
• Copy of Ration Card (if the applicant or any member of the family already has a ration card)
• Undertaking by the applicant stating that he does not fall under the exclusion category.

How can Online Applications be filed for Ration Cards?

• Visit the national food security portal.
• Click on the Ration card option and apply for a new ration card.
• Select the state.
• Click on the Food Security section of the website.
• A form will appear. Applicant needs to enter all the details in such form and upload the necessary documents.
• Then click on submit.
• An acknowledgment receipt will be generated after submission.

The national food security portal offers various services regarding ration cards for different states. It includes the internal links for the webpage of different states where the applicant can apply and check the status of his ration card.