One Nation One Ration Card in India, Know More About This Scheme

One Nation One Ration Card

Launched by the Department of Food & Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution in 2018, the “One Nation One Ration Card” (ONORC) Scheme stands as a beacon of food security for all, especially internal migrants within India.

This national portability scheme ensures that migrant workers and their families can access Public Distribution System (PDS) benefits from any Fair Price Shop (FPS) across the country. The scheme operates under the National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA), facilitating inter-state and intra-state (inter-district/intra-district) portability of ration cards.

Assam recently joined the ranks as the 36th State to implement the ONORC scheme, marking a significant milestone in making food security portable throughout the nation. To maximize the benefits of ONORC, the government has introduced the ‘MERA RATION’ mobile app, offering real-time information and available in 13 languages. As per the official website of the National Food Security Portal, more than 20 crores ration cards have been issued through over 4.5 lakh POS enabled Fair Price Shops.

Overview table of One Nation One Ration Card

Aspect	Description
Initiative Name	One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) Scheme
Launch Year	2018
Implementing Authority	Department of Food & Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Objective	Ensuring food security for all, especially migrant workers, by providing portability of Public Distribution System (PDS) benefits across the country
National Coverage	Implemented under the National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA), covering all States and Union Territories of India
Recent Development	Assam became the 36th State to implement the ONORC scheme
Mobile Application	‘MERA RATION’ app introduced to provide real-time information and available in 13 languages
Number of Ration Cards	Over 20 crores ration cards issued through more than 4.5 lakh POS enabled Fair Price Shops
Beneficiaries	Approximately 81 crores beneficiaries expected to benefit from the scheme
Eligibility	Open to all ration cardholders or beneficiaries covered under NFSA, 2013, with Aadhaar Card numbers seeded
Application Process	Both offline and online methods available. Applicants can visit the nearest FPS or any FPS nationwide with their Aadhaar or ration card number
Authentication	Aadhaar authentication required for ration collection, using iris or fingerprints
Required Documents	Ration card and Aadhar card
Key Benefits	– Seamless access to food grains across the country for migrant workers – Identification and prevention of fake/duplicate ration cards
Alignment	Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 2: Ending hunger by 2030
Conclusion	The ONORC scheme is a pioneering initiative leveraging technology for inclusive growth and development, ensuring food security for all citizens, particularly migrant workers

Benefits

The ONORC scheme is poised to benefit approximately 81 crores beneficiaries by digitizing ration cards, ensuring seamless access to food grains across the country. It particularly aids migrant beneficiaries under NFSA to claim full or partial food grains from any FPS through existing ration cards with biometric/Aadhaar authentication. With ONORC, beneficiaries in one state can access fair rations in other states where their ration card was issued, thereby enhancing food security for migrant laborers seeking better opportunities elsewhere.

Moreover, the scheme enhances mechanisms to identify fake/duplicate ration cards and aims to provide universal access to PDS food grains for migrant workers. By deploying an IT-driven system with ePoS devices in each FPS, ration card portability becomes achievable, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goal 2: Ending hunger by 2030.

Eligibility

The scheme extends to all ration cardholders or beneficiaries covered under NFSA, 2013, with Aadhaar Card numbers seeded.

One Nation One Ration Card Application Process

The application process for ONORC includes both offline and online methods. Offline, interested individuals can provide their ration card details at the nearest FPS. Recipients can also visit any FPS nationwide with their Aadhaar number or ration card number. Family members who have seeded their Aadhaar number on their ration card are eligible for authentication and ration collection. Beneficiaries have the option to use iris or fingerprints for Aadhaar authentication.

One Nation One Ration Card Apply Online

1. Visit the official web page of the National Food Security Portal at nfsa.gov.in/sso/frmSSOUserRegistration.aspx.
2. Complete the registration process by providing the necessary details.
3. Once registered, you can log in to check the status of your Ration Card. To do this:
   • Visit the official web page again: nfsa.gov.in/sso/frmPublicLogin.aspx.
   • Log in using your credentials.
4. Alternatively, you can download the “Mera Ration” mobile application:
   • Install the app on your mobile device.
   • After installation, you can use the app to:
     • Register.
     • Find your nearest Ration Shops.
     • Check eligibility criteria.
     • View transaction details.
     • Link your Aadhaar card.

Documents Required

Applicants need to furnish their ration card and Aadhar card for enrollment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ONORC scheme stands as a pioneering initiative in ensuring food security for all citizens of India, particularly migrant workers, by leveraging technology and innovative solutions. With its implementation across all States and Union Territories, ONORC not only streamlines the PDS but also heralds a new era of inclusive growth and development in the country.

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