The One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme is an initiative by the Government of India designed to ensure food security for all citizens, especially migrant workers and their families. Launched under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), the program allows beneficiaries to access subsidized food grains from any Fair Price Shop (FPS) across the country, regardless of their home state.
This scheme aims to eliminate the challenges faced by migrants who often lose access to ration benefits when they move to a different state for work. By linking ration cards with the Aadhaar system and digital records, the government has made it easier for families to receive their entitled food grains seamlessly.
Key Benefits of One Nation One Ration Card
The ONORC program provides multiple advantages, improving convenience and ensuring that no eligible citizen is left out of food security measures:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Portability | Ration cardholders can access food grains anywhere in India |
| Digital Tracking | Aadhaar-linked system prevents duplication and fraud |
| Easy Access | Migrant workers can receive subsidized grains in any state |
| Reduced Paperwork | Simplified procedures without the need to apply again in a new state |
| Transparency | Real-time data and monitoring of ration distribution |
These benefits ensure that beneficiaries, especially migrants, can access essential food grains without worrying about state boundaries or administrative hurdles.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the ONORC scheme, applicants must meet the following conditions:
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Beneficiary Type | NFSA cardholders (Priority or Antyodaya cardholders) |
| Aadhaar Linking | Ration card must be linked with Aadhaar |
| Migration Status | Applicable to all individuals who move between states |
| Family Details | Must provide accurate household information for digital verification |
Eligibility ensures that food grains reach the rightful recipients and helps reduce fraud in the system.
How to Apply for One Nation One Ration Card
The application process is user-friendly and designed for easy access online or offline:
- Visit the official One Nation One Ration Card portal.
- Select your state and district to locate the nearest Fair Price Shop.
- Submit the details of your ration card and Aadhaar for verification.
- Update any family or migration information if required.
- After verification, your ration card will become portable, allowing access to subsidized food grains anywhere in India.
Beneficiaries can also apply through Common Service Centers (CSCs) or their local FPS for offline assistance.
States Implementing ONORC
The scheme has been rolled out across many states, gradually covering the entire country.
| State/UT | Implementation Status |
|---|---|
| Maharashtra | Fully implemented |
| Uttar Pradesh | Fully implemented |
| Tamil Nadu | Fully implemented |
| Gujarat | Partially implemented |
| West Bengal | Fully implemented |
| Delhi | Fully implemented |
This phased rollout ensures that the system is stable and functional before nationwide coverage.
FAQs
Q1: Can a migrant worker use their ration card in any state?
Yes, once linked under ONORC, the card is portable across India.
Q2: Is Aadhaar mandatory for the scheme?
Yes, linking the ration card with Aadhaar is required for portability.
Q3: How long does it take to make a ration card portable?
Portability is usually activated within a few days after verification.