Mandatory e-KYC Verification:
All ration cardholders, including those under Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), Below Poverty Line (BPL), and Above Poverty Line (APL) categories, are required to complete e-KYC verification. This process involves linking the Aadhaar numbers of all family members to their respective ration cards. The initial deadline was 30 September 2024; however, some states have extended this deadline. For instance, Telangana set the e-KYC completion deadline to 31 January 2025. Failure to comply may result in the suspension of ration card benefits.
"One Nation, One Ration Card" (ONORC) Scheme:
The ONORC scheme has been fully implemented nationwide, allowing beneficiaries to access their Public Distribution System (PDS) entitlements from any Fair Price Shop (FPS) across India. This is particularly beneficial for migrant workers and families residing in different locations. To utilize this facility, at least one family member must have their Aadhaar number linked to the ration card for authentication purposes.
Enhanced Eligibility Criteria:
The eligibility criteria for ration cards have been revised to ensure that benefits reach the intended beneficiaries. The updated criteria are as follows:
Urban Areas: Households with an annual income exceeding ₹3 lakh, owning property larger than 100 square meters, or possessing a four-wheeler are typically ineligible.
Rural Areas: Households with an annual income exceeding ₹2 lakh or owning a plot larger than 100 square meters are generally excluded.
Application Process for New Ration Cards:
Individuals who meet the eligibility criteria and wish to apply for a new ration card should follow these steps:
1. Documentation: Gather necessary documents, including Aadhaar cards of all family members, proof of residence, and passport-sized photographs.
2. Application Form: Obtain the application form from the state's Public Distribution System (PDS) portal or local ration office. For example, Telangana provides application forms through its official portal.
3. Submission: Submit the completed form along with the required documents to the nearest PDS or MeeSeva center.
4. Verification: Undergo biometric verification and Aadhaar linking as part of the e-KYC process.
5. Processing: Upon successful verification, the ration card will be issued, typically within 30 days.
For existing ration cardholders, it's imperative to complete the e-KYC process by linking Aadhaar to continue receiving benefits. This can be done online through the state's PDS portal or offline by visiting the local ration shop or PDS center.
Staying informed about these updates and adhering to the guidelines will ensure uninterrupted access to subsidized food grains and other essential commodities provided under the PDS.
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