In India, there are different types of ration cards. The state government categorizes people and issues different ration cards according to different categories. So what are the different types of ration cards including BPL, APL, etc. in the country?
Read on to know what are their benefits.
What is a ration card?
A ration card is an official document issued by the respective state governments. With the help of this card, eligible families can purchase food grains at subsidized rates as per the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013.
Earlier, eligible families could purchase food grains at subsidized rates through the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), based on the identification of the state governments.
In 2013, the National Food Security Act (NFSA) was passed to provide specified quantity and quality of food to the people at affordable prices. Currently, the state governments that have implemented the NFSA issue two types of ration cards to eligible families in their respective states, namely Priority Family (PHH) ration card and Non-Priority Family (NPHH) ration card.
5 Different Types of Ration Cards in India
There are 5 different types of ration cards provided in India under NFSA and TPDS, which are as follows:
- Priority Household Ration Card (PHH) – This card is issued to families who meet the eligibility criteria set by the government. Each family is entitled to 5 kg of food grains per person per month.
- Antyodaya Anna Yojana Ration Card (AAY) – This card is issued to families identified by the government as Antyodaya families. Each family is entitled to 35 kg of food grains per family per month.
- APL Ration Card (APL) – This card is issued to families above the poverty line.
- BPL (Below Poverty Line) ration card (BPL) – This card is given to families below the poverty line.
- AY (Annapurna Yojna) ration card (AY) – This card is given to the poor and those above 65 years of age.
- Ration Cards under NFSA, 2013
NFSA provides ration cards issued by the respective state governments. Distribution of food in fair price shops is as per the quantity and quality mentioned in NFSA. The different types of ration cards under NFSA are as follows:
Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY)
This type of ration card is issued to poor families who do not have a fixed income as identified by the respective state governments.
This card is issued to persons who do not have a fixed income such as rickshaw pullers, daily wage labourers, coolies etc.
This card is also issued to unemployed persons, women and the elderly.
These card holders are entitled to 35 kg of food grains per family per month. (Distribution is being done differently in each state.)
They are entitled to 15 kg of wheat and 20 kg of rice per family per month. (Distribution is done differently in each state.)
They receive food grains at a subsidized rate of Rs. 3 per kg for rice and Rs. 2 per kg for wheat.
Priority Household (PHH)
Families not covered under AAY come under PHH.
State governments identify priority household households under Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) as per their specific and inclusive guidelines.
PHH card holders get 5 kg of food grains per person per month.
Food grains are being provided to these card holders at subsidized rates of Rs. 3 per kg for rice, Rs. 2 per kg for wheat and Rs. 1 per kg for coarse grains.
Non-Priority Household (NPHH)
Non-Priority Household (NPHH)
Non-Priority Household (NPHH) is issued to households who do not meet the PHH eligibility criteria set by the government. Thus, they are not eligible for any food grains. This card serves only as an identity proof.
Ration cards under TPDS
Before the introduction of NFSA, state governments were issuing ration cards under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS). After the passage of NFSA, states started issuing ration cards under it (which are mentioned above). State governments, which have not yet implemented the NFSA system, still follow the old ration cards they issued under TPDS. These are:
Below Poverty Line (BPL)
BPL card holders are below the poverty line as prescribed by the state government.
BPL families get 10 kg to 20 kg of food grains per family per month at 50% of the economic cost.
The subsidized final retail price of a specific quantity of wheat, rice, sugar and other items varies from state to state. Each state government fixes different rates for each quantity.
Above Poverty Line (APL)
Families holding this card are living above the poverty line as specified by the state government.
APL families receive 10 kg to 20 kg of food grains per month per family at 100% of the economic cost.
Each state government fixes a subsidized retail price for rice, wheat, sugar and kerosene for a certain amount.
Annapurna Yojana (AY)
AY ration cards are issued to the poor and the elderly above 65 years of age.
Under this card, the cardholder receives 10 kg of food grains per month.
State governments issue these cards to the elderly who come under this scheme as they specify.
Ration Card Colour
The issue of coloured ration cards and its features vary from state to state. Coloured ration cards were issued under TPDS. The colours for BPL, APL and AY ration cards vary from state to state. Generally, three coloured ration cards are issued, namely white, yellow (saffron) and green.
Some states that have adopted NFSA have stopped issuing coloured ration cards and have stopped issuing cards as per NFSA, i.e. AAY, PHH and NPHH cards.
Benefits and Uses of Ration Card
- To get food supplies at subsidized rates from ration shops.
- It is an acceptable form of official identification across India as it is issued by the government.
- It can be used as proof of identity while applying for a PAN card.
- To open a bank account and transfer money between bank accounts.
- To pay the correct level of income tax.
- To get a new voter ID card.
- To buy a mobile SIM card.
- To apply for a passport.
- To get a driving license.
- To get a new LPG connection.
- To withdraw life insurance.