One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) is a scheme of the Department of Food and Public Distribution that allows beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) to collect their subsidised food grains from any fair price shop (FPS) in the country. It has been rolled out across all states and Union Territories. It is especially useful for migrant workers and their families.
How it works
ONORC uses Aadhaar seeded ration cards and electronic point of sale (ePoS) machines at fair price shops. When a beneficiary visits any FPS, their identity is verified through Aadhaar biometric authentication, and the ration is given from their entitlement. No new ration card is needed.
Who can use it
All ration card holders covered under NFSA, including Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Priority Household (PHH) cards, whose cards are seeded with Aadhaar.
Splitting the quota
A useful feature is that a family can split its quota. For example, a worker who has moved to another city can take part of the family’s ration there, while the rest of the family takes the balance from their home village shop in the same month.
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Free food grains
Under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), the government provides free food grains to NFSA beneficiaries. The scheme was extended for five years from January 2024. Entitlements, such as 35 kg per AAY family and 5 kg per person for PHH cards, are as per the NFSA.
Mera Ration app
The Mera Ration mobile app helps beneficiaries:
- check their entitlement and recent transactions,
- find the nearest fair price shops,
- register as a migrant beneficiary, and
- give feedback or suggestions.
Download it only from official app stores.
Keep eKYC updated
States have been asking beneficiaries to complete ration card eKYC by verifying Aadhaar at the FPS. Names of members whose eKYC is pending may face problems. Visit your FPS or check with your state food department for eKYC deadlines.
Complaints
Each state has a toll free helpline for PDS complaints, listed on the NFSA portal. The national helpline 14445 has also been publicised for ONORC queries.
Bottom line
With One Nation One Ration Card, you do not lose your ration when you move for work. Keep your ration card Aadhaar seeded, complete eKYC and use the Mera Ration app to find a shop near you.
Source / स्रोत: Department of Food and Public Distribution, Integrated Management of PDS (IMPDS), National Food Security Act portal
