Ration card categories under the National Food Security Act
NFSA classifies beneficiary households into distinct priority bands.
Major card categories include:
- Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY): Issued to the poorest of poor households; entitles the family to 35 kg of foodgrains per month.
- Priority Household (PHH): Issued to low-income rural and urban households; entitles each registered family member to 5 kg of foodgrains per month.
- Non-NFSA / White Cards: Issued for general identity and address verification in states without subsidized grain entitlement.
One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) portability
The ONORC initiative allows migrant workers and their families to access food security anywhere in India.
Operational features:
- Nationwide portability: Migrant laborers can purchase foodgrains at any electronic Point of Sale (ePoS) equipped Fair Price Shop.
- Split transactions: Family members remaining in their home village can lift their portion while migrant members lift theirs at their worksite.
- Aadhaar biometric authentication: Thumbprint or iris scans on the dealer's ePoS device verify identity and prevent diversion.
How to apply, check status and download digital card
Citizens can apply on their state food and civil supplies portal or the national NFSA portal (nfsa.gov.in). Use the 'Mera Ration' official mobile app to locate nearby fair price shops, check monthly entitlement quotas, and view past transaction logs.
Official source
Check the latest rules, benefits and forms here. KisanPe is an independent platform and is not a government website.
National Food Security Portal (NFSA), Govt of India ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What is the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) facility?
ONORC enables NFSA beneficiaries to claim their foodgrain entitlements from any Fair Price Shop in the country using biometric Aadhaar authentication.
How much foodgrain is allocated per person under Priority Household (PHH) cards?
PHH cardholders receive 5 kilograms of foodgrains per person per month under NFSA guidelines.
How can I check my ration card details online?
Check your ration card status on the national NFSA portal (nfsa.gov.in) or your state food department website using your 12-digit ration card number or Aadhaar.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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