What is One Nation One Ration Card?

The Union Government launched the 'One Nation, One Ration Card' scheme on a pilot basis in four states in 2019. This scheme aims to ensure all beneficiaries, especially migrants get ration (wheat, rice and other food grains) across the nation from any Public Distribution System (PDS) shop of their own choice. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced plans for nation-wide rollout of the scheme in all states and Union Territories by March 2021.

Under the existing system, a ration cardholder can buy food grains only from the PDS in the locality where he or she lives. This will change once the ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ system becomes operational nationally.

It was also launched with the purpose that no poor person should be deprived of getting subsidised food grains under the food security scheme when they shift from one place to another. It aims to reduce instances of corruption by middlemen and fraudulence in ration cards to avail benefits from different states.

Who is eligible for One Nation One Ration Card

Any citizen, who is declared under Below Poverty Line (BPL) category will be eligible to get the benefit of this scheme across the country. As of now, about 20 states have come on board to implement the scheme. The beneficiaries will be identified on the basis of their Aadhar based identification through the electronic point of sale (PoS) device. All the PDS shops will have the facility of electronic PoS devices.

One Nation One Ration Card' scheme is also aimed at reducing the incidents of hunger deaths in the country, to further improve rankings in the Global Hunger Index.