One Nation One Ration Card

✦Key Features

• Portability of ration card across all 36 states/UTs through Aadhaar-based authentication
• 105 crore+ portability transactions completed; 400+ lakh tonnes grain accessed portably
• Epos (electronic point of sale) devices at all 5.4 lakh FPS for biometric authentication
• Beneficiary can avail entitlement from any FPS nationwide with same ration card
• Transparent distribution: real-time transaction data on Annavitran portal
• Vital for 45+ crore migrant workers who move between states
• Prevents duplication: Aadhaar de-duplication of beneficiary database

✓Eligibility Criteria

• All beneficiaries covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013.
• Possession of an Aadhaar-linked ration card.
• Any individual or family registered under the Public Distribution System (PDS).

★Benefits

• **Enhanced Food Security**: Ensures continued access to subsidized food grains for migrant populations.
• **Empowerment of Beneficiaries**: Provides freedom of choice to collect rations from any FPS.
• **Reduced Exclusion**: Prevents beneficiaries from being denied food grains due to change in residence or lack of local documents.
• **Increased Transparency**: Aadhaar-based transactions and real-time monitoring reduce pilferage and corruption.
• **Support for Migrant Workers**: Crucial for the welfare of daily wage earners and those seeking employment away from home.

▶Application Process

• Ensure your existing ration card is linked with Aadhaar.
• Visit any Fair Price Shop (FPS) in the state/UT where you wish to avail your ration.
• Provide your ration card number or Aadhaar number at the FPS.
• Undergo biometric authentication using your fingerprint or iris scan.
• Collect your entitled food grains.
• Beneficiaries can also use the 'Mera Ration' mobile application to locate nearby FPS and check their entitlements.

₹ Budget Allocation

2000

Funding Ratio (Centre:State): 100% Central Sector Scheme for the technology/portal component; food subsidy shared as per NFSA norms.

Historical Context

Introduced as a pilot in 2019 across 4 states, accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic to address the migrant crisis.