The One Nation One Ration Card is a government initiative enabling NFSA beneficiaries to access subsidised food grains from any Fair Price Shop in India. Through biometric or Aadhaar authentication, the One Nation One Ration Card scheme online apply option ensures portability for migrant workers and their families. It promotes food security nationwide without geographical restrictions.
Eligibility Criteria of One Nation One Ration Card
To apply under the One Nation One Ration Card scheme online apply facility, the applicant must meet the following conditions:
- Be a resident of India and covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013.
- Possess a valid state-issued ration card (PHH or AAY category) eligible for portability.
- Have all family members’ Aadhaar numbers seeded with the ration card.
- Ensure biometric authentication capability at the Fair Price Shop (FPS).
- Not hold multiple ration cards across different states.
These criteria ensure that the One Nation One Ration Card benefits reach the right beneficiaries while preventing duplication.
Benefits of One Nation One Ration Card
Implementation of One Nation One Ration Card
Under the One Nation One Ration Card scheme, nationwide portability of ration cards is enabled through an IT-driven public distribution system. This involves:
- Aadhaar seeding of all NFSA beneficiaries’ ration cards for unique identification.
- Installation of electronic Point of Sale (ePoS) devices in Fair Price Shops across States/UTs.
- Biometric authentication using fingerprint or iris scan to ensure transparency and prevent fraud.
- Real-time integration of State/UT food supply portals with a central Integrated Management of Public Distribution System (IM-PDS).
With this system, NFSA beneficiaries can simply provide their Aadhaar number or ration card number at any ePoS-enabled FPS in the country to receive subsidised grains, without needing to carry a physical ration card. Transactions are instantly recorded, enabling partial or full ration claims from any location under the One Nation One Ration Card scheme.
Progress of One Nation One Ration Card
- Nationwide Coverage: The One Nation One Ration Card system is now fully implemented in all 36 States and Union Territories, covering nearly 80 crore NFSA beneficiaries across India.
- High Transaction Volumes: Since its launch in 2019, the scheme has recorded over 158 crore portability transactions, distributing more than 315 lakh metric tonnes of food grains.
- Strong 2024 Performance: In the first 11 months of 2024 alone, around 30 crore portability transactions were completed, ensuring delivery of approximately 66 lakh metric tonnes of food grains. The scheme now averages over 2.5 crore portability transactions per month.
- Tech-Driven Implementation: Aadhaar seeding, deployment of ePoS devices, and integration with the IM-PDS portal have enabled smooth inter- and intra-state portability of ration benefits.
The One Nation One Ration Card ensures nationwide portability of subsidised food grain access, benefiting millions of NFSA households, especially migrant workers. Through the One Nation One Ration Card scheme online apply process, beneficiaries can seamlessly claim rations anywhere in India. This reform enhances transparency, reduces leakages, and strengthens food security by linking Aadhaar, technology, and the Public Distribution System.
