India is moving towards a more digital economy, with most legal and governmental processes also following the digital route. With the government hoping to digitise most processes, there have been many new portals aimed at enhancing citizen experience when applying for documents, following laws (such as filing taxes) and even purchasing certain items. The TNPDS Smart Card is one such initiative that allows the residents of Tamil Nadu to buy rations with the help of their smart cards.

What is a Smart Ration Card?

As you may know, a ration card is a document that allows you to purchase items at a subsidised rate from specific fair price shops, thereby helping you save money. A Smart Ration Card is a digital version that eliminates the need to carry the physical card to make a purchase. A person can just show the digital version to the shopkeeper and make the desired purchases when needed. 

The TNPDS is a portal through which the residents of Tamil Nadu can apply for their ration card and even change their preferences from sugar to rice. 
 

Types of Digital Ration Cards in Tamil Nadu

There are four types of Smart Ration Cards available for use by the residents of Tamil Nadu. These include the following:

• Light green card: This card is valid for the purchase of rice from Fair Price Shops
• White card: This card is valid for the purchase of an additional 3 kg of rice over the prescribed amount
• Khaki card: This card is only issued to police personnel, as long as they hold a rank of inspector or higher
• No commodity card: No commodity card is given to people who cannot draw any commodities from ration bags

What Documents Do You Need When Applying for a Tamil Nadu Smart Ration Card?

To apply for a Smart Ration Card as a resident of Tamil Nadu, you need to be able to submit the following documents during the application process:

• Aadhaar card
• Electricity bill
• PAN card
• Passport-size photograph
• Income certificate
• Bank passbook
• Caste/category certificate

How Do You Apply for a Smart Ration Card?

To apply for a Smart Ration Card, you must:

• Visit the official TNPDS website 
• Click the Smart Card application button 
• Complete your registration on the portal
• On the application form, enter the required information in the data fields.
• Submit the required documents by attaching them
• Enter the required details about family members, gas connection and declaration in the given data fields
• Click the submit button
• The system will generate a reference number. Keep it safe

How Do You Check the Status of Your Smart Ration Card?

To check the status of your Smart Ration Card, you must:

• Visit the official TNPDS website
• Click the application status option
• A window will open
• Enter your registration number in the data field
• Click the submit button
• The status of your application will be displayed on the screen

How to Download your Smart Ration Card?

To download your Smart Ration Card, you must:

• Visit the official TNPDS website
• Click the beneficiary button
• Enter your registered mobile number and request an OTP
• Enter the OTP
• Your profile will open
• Click the Smart Card print option
• Save the Smart Card as a PDF on your phone so that you can show it to shopkeepers when required.

How to Make Changes in Your Smart Ration Card?

To make changes in your Smart Ration Card, you must:

• Visit the official TNPDS website
• Click the beneficiary button
• Enter your registered mobile number and request an OTP
• Enter the OTP
• Your profile will open
• Click the Smart Card details button
• Edit the desired details
• Click the approval button
• Save the new PDF

How Do You Add a New Family Member?

To add a new family member, you must:

• Visit the official TNPDS website
• Select the add member option from the Smart Card Related services tab
• A form will open
• Add the relevant details in the data fields
• Enter the CAPTCHA code
• Click the submit button

How Do You File a Complaint on the TNPDS?

If you have not had a pleasant experience using the portal, you can file a complaint to make your voice heard. To do so, you must:

• Visit the official website
• Click the Register Complaint banner
• A form will open
• Enter the required details along with the complaint (the complaint cannot exceed 5,000 characters)
• Click the submit button

By applying for your smart ration card, you can ensure that you have access to the rations you need. The process for application has been simplified and is quite transparent, ensuring you don’t have to worry about slow officials. 
 

FAQs

Can anyone use the TNPDS portal?

No, this portal is only applicable to residents of Tamil Nadu. If you live in a different state, you will have to visit the right portal for your state.

Do you need to pay to create a Smart Ration Card?

No, the application process is free.