One Nation One Ration Card: Benefits, Use & How It Works
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One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme was started in 2018 to make sure everyone gets food support, including migrant workers. It allows people to take ration from any Fair Price Shop in India using the same ration card under the National Food Security Act.
Assam became the 36th state to join this scheme, and now ONORC works across all states and UTs. The MERA RATION mobile app helps users check ration details in real time, and it is available in many Indian languages.
What is One Nation One Ration Card?
One Nation One Ration Card is a system that allows people to use their ration card in any state of India. Under this scheme, ration cards are made portable across the country. This means a person can take food grains from any fair price shop, not only from their home area.
This scheme is part of the national food security scheme and works under the NFSA rules. It is helpful for migrant workers and students who live away from home.
Why One Nation One Ration Card Started?
India has many people who move to study or work. Earlier, ration cards worked only in one area. Because of this, many families could not get rations outside their hometown. One Nation One Ration Card was started to solve this problem.
The main goal is to make sure everyone gets food support, no matter where they live. It supports the migrant workers' ration scheme and helps reduce hunger.
Who Can Use One Nation One Ration Card?
One Nation One Ration Card can be used by people who already have a ration card under NFSA. Their ration card must be linked with Aadhaar. Students living in hostels, workers in other states, and families living in rented homes can use this scheme easily.
Before using the scheme, Aadhaar-linked ration card details must be correct.
How One Nation One Ration Card Works?
One Nation One Ration Card works by using online records and Aadhaar verification to give ration anywhere in India.
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Ration card details are stored in an online system.
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The person visits any Fair Price Shop in the country.
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Aadhaar number or biometric data is checked at the shop.
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After verification, food grains are given to the person.
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This allows NFSA ration card portability across states.
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It supports inter-state ration card transfer without any paperwork.
Benefits of One Nation One Ration Card
One Nation One Ration Card is a government scheme that helps people get ration from any state in India. It is very useful for migrant workers, students, and families who move for work or study.
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It benefits around 81 crore people by making ration cards digital.
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NFSA beneficiaries can take a full or partial ration from any Fair Price Shop in India.
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Ration can be collected using the same card with Aadhaar or biometric verification.
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Migrant workers get food security even after moving to another state for jobs.
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Same quality and quantity of ration is available across states.
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Helps identify and remove fake or duplicate ration cards.
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Ensures easy ration card portability through ePoS machines at ration shops.
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No need to transfer ration card physically from one state to another.
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Supports the national food security scheme.
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Helps achieve the goal of ending hunger by 2030 (SDG 2).
Food Items Given Under One Nation One Ration Card
Under One Nation One Ration Card, people get food grains as per NFSA rules. The quantity depends on the card type.
The details help students know what food support is given under the scheme. The quantity may change based on government rules.
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Food Items Given Under One Nation One Ration Card |
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Food Item |
Quantity per Person |
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Rice |
5 kg per month |
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Wheat |
5 kg per month |
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Coarse grains |
As decided by state |
States Covered Under One Nation One Ration Card
One Nation One Ration Card is now active in most states and union territories of India. The government connected state ration systems to one network. This has helped in the portable ration card India system. Students studying in another state can now use the same ration card.
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States Covered Under One Nation One Ration Card |
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Status |
Number of States |
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Fully Connected |
Most Indian States |
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Being Improved |
Few Regions |
Role of Aadhaar in One Nation One Ration Card
Aadhaar linked ration card is very important for One Nation One Ration Card. Aadhaar helps in checking identity and avoiding fake cards.
Because of Aadhaar, food grains reach the right person. This also makes inter-state ration card transfer smooth and fast.
One Nation One Ration Card for Students
Students who live away from home face food problems many times. One Nation One Ration Card helps students get ration at their study place. This reduces extra food cost and supports poor families.
Students from rural areas studying in cities benefit a lot from the ONORC scheme.
Challenges in One Nation One Ration Card
Even though One Nation One Ration Card is helpful, some problems still exist. Internet issues, fingerprint failure, and lack of awareness are common problems.
The government is working to fix these issues so that NFSA ration card portability becomes easier for everyone.
Future of One Nation One Ration Card
The future of One Nation One Ration Card looks strong. The government plans to improve technology and awareness. More people will be added under the national food security scheme.
With better systems, the ONORC scheme will help more migrant workers and students.