A ration card is one of the many government-issued proofs in India. But it is more than just that. With a ration card, families in the underprivileged sections of the economy can purchase essential goods like groceries and provisions at subsidised rates. Since ration cardholders can buy food items, dairy products, pulses, grains and even kerosene at prices that are far below retail prices, this system has been very useful for families living Below Poverty Line (BPL) in India. 

The different types of ration cards

Depending on the total household income, there are different kinds of ration cards issued in India. Here is a quick overview of the different types. 

• White Ration Card: 

This kind of ration card is issued to individuals above the poverty line as per the government’s criteria. 

• Orange Ration Card: 

An orange ration card is issued to people who are just below the poverty line. Thye can purchase food and grains at subsidised rates as set and revised by the state governments. So, for instance, if you hold a UP ration card of this kind, the rates set by the Uttar Pradesh government will be applicable to you.

• Yellow Ration Card:

This card is held by people whose annual income is less than that of Orange card holders. People in this group are the top priority for the government’s ration card program.

Eligibility criteria for a ration card

As you’ve seen above, ration cards are issued to help people in the weaker economic sections access basic necessities at affordable prices. So, there are several strict eligibility criteria in place to ensure that the benefits under this scheme are only availed by the people they are intended for. 

Check out the basic eligibility criteria below.

• You should be an Indian citizen.
• No one else should have applied for a ration card on your behalf.
• You should be the first member of your family to apply for the ration card.

In addition to this, different states may have their own additional criteria as well. 

Documents required for a ration card

If you qualify for a ration card in your state, you will need to submit the essential paperwork in order to apply for the card. Here are the documents required for ration card applications. You will need to submit these documents whether you choose to apply for your ration card online or offline. 

• A copy of the State Application form for the ration card, duly filled
• A proof of identity (such as driving licence, voter ID, any government ID card, or passport)
• A proof of residence (such as a telephone bill, electricity bill, LPG receipt, your bank passbook, your rental agreement or any other utility bill)
• A photo of the head of the family 
• A proof of the annual income of the applicant
• If you already had a ration card that you cancelled or surrendered earlier, a copy of the same 

Conclusion

If you are eligible for a ration card, it is a good decision to apply for the same, since it can save you a lot of money on your basic necessities. When you do apply, remember to keep the documents ready and submit them as needed so your application is processed quickly.