The Odisha government has streamlined the ration card application process to ensure eligible citizens can access subsidized food grains and essential commodities under the Public Distribution System (PDS). This article provides a detailed guide to applying online for a ration card in Odisha, including eligibility criteria, required documents, and key procedures.
Types of Ration Cards in Odisha
Odisha issues ration cards under two primary schemes:
- National Food Security Act (NFSA) Ration Cards
- Priority Household (PHH): For families identified as priority households.
- Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY): For the most economically vulnerable groups (e.g., landless laborers, widows, tribal families) .
- State Food Security Scheme (SFSS) Ration Cards
- For families excluded from NFSA but still below the poverty line .
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a ration card in Odisha, applicants must:
- Be a permanent resident of Odisha.
- Belong to a low-income household (BPL category for SFSS).
- Not possess another ration card issued by the state.
- Meet NFSA or SFSS criteria .
Required Documents
Prepare the following documents for online submission:
- Identity Proof: Aadhaar card of the applicant and family members.
- Address Proof: Electricity bill, voter ID, or rental agreement.
- Income Certificate: Issued by a competent authority (for BPL/SFSS applicants).
- Bank Passbook: For verification of financial status.
- Passport-Sized Photographs: Recent photos of the applicant.
- Residence Certificate: Proof of permanent residency in Odisha.
- Family Member IDs: Voter ID, PAN card, or birth certificates.
- Mobile Number & Email: For communication and application tracking .
Step-by-Step Online Application Process
For NFSA Ration Cards
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to the Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare Department website.
- Navigate to Citizen Services:
- Click Online Services → Citizen Services → Apply New Card (NFSA) .
- Fill the Application Form:
- Provide personal details, address, Fair Price Shop (FPS) information, and family member details.
- Upload scanned copies of required documents.
- Submit and Print Acknowledgment:
- Review details and click Submit.
- Print the acknowledgment slip for future reference.
- Physical Submission (If Required):
- Some sources indicate submitting the printed form and documents to the nearest Taluk Supply Office (TSO) for verification .
For SFSS Ration Cards
- Access the SFSS Portal: Visit the SFSS-specific section on the official website.
- Complete the Application: Follow steps similar to the NFSA process, ensuring eligibility under SFSS criteria .
Post-Application Steps
- Track Application Status:
- Use the acknowledgment number on the PDS Odisha portal under NFSA Cards & Beneficiaries .
- Download the Ration Card:
- Once approved, log in to the portal, enter your ration card number, and download the e-card .
Key Deadlines and Updates
- e-KYC Requirement: Complete e-KYC by 31 January 2025 to avoid disruption of benefits .
- Helpline Support: Contact toll-free numbers 155335 or 18003456724 for assistance .
Important Notes
- Offline Option: While online applications are prioritized, offline forms can be downloaded from the portal and submitted at TSO offices .
- Updates to Ration Card: Add or remove family members online via the Addition/Deletion of Member option under Citizen Services .
By following these steps, eligible residents of Odisha can efficiently secure their ration cards and access subsidized food supplies. For further details, visit the official portal or contact local authorities.