Rationing cards are an official document authorizing the holder to provide food, fuel or other goods issued by the Government of India, which are used mainly for the purchase of subsidized food (wheat and rice) and fuel (LPG and kerosene). The cards have been used since World War II and their use continues into the 21st century. They are an important subsistence tool for the poor, provide proof of identity and a connection to government databases. The Indian public distribution system (PDS) is based on the ration card, which it uses to establish identification, eligibility and entitlement. In India, ration cards are voluntary; They are needed to obtain subsidized food and fuel. Eligibility for Antyodaya, BPL and APL ration cards is based on the family's economic status. To obtain an APL or BPL card in the state of Delhi, the applicant must submit two copies of a photograph of the head of the family (HoF), proof of identity and address, and the fee ₹ 25, along with the ration card Age, if any. The process usually takes a month.
The state of Karnataka accepts only ration card applications online under the e-governance initiative; The old paper application system has become obsolete. Applicants must upload a PDF copy of their proof of identity, age, address and income, and are acknowledged by appointment. On the day of the appointment, the applicant, along with all family members, visits the ration registration office with originals of their documents loaded for verification and collection of biometric data, including photographs and fingerprints of all members of the family. Physical verification of information is done at the household address, eg, GLP connection for eligibility of kerosene, housing type to determine the level of income for eligibility of the BPL card. The ration card for which the applicant is eligible is issued in one month by the District Provisioning Office (DSO). The state of the applications can be checked online. All preliminary work on registration, biometric data collection and physical verification of the home is carried out by private firms designated by DSO under the model of Public Private Partnership (PPP) for reasons of efficiency.
With the help of the e-ration service, applicants can obtain ration cards and check the availability of food grains and their cost online. This will help end the corrupt practice of withholding rations and ensuring that the letters reach the needy. Aadhaar cardholders can apply for the e-ration card. The Food and Consumer Affairs Department website provides details of the people eligible for the food safety plan. This service was first introduced in Delhi.