- Introduction
- Implemented by Department for nationwide portability of ration cards under National Food Security Act (NFSA)
- Eligible ration card holders/beneficiaries covered under NFSA can access entitlements from anywhere in the country
- Ministry/Agency
- Ministry Of Consumer Affairs, Food And Public Distribution
- Objectives
- Distribution of highly subsidized food grains enabled through nationwide portability of ration cards
- Implementation of IT-driven system
- Installation of ePoS devices at FPSs
- Seeding of Aadhaar number of beneficiaries with ration cards
- Operationalization of biometrically authenticated ePoS transactions in State/UTs
- Benefits
- All NFSA beneficiaries can claim full/part food grains from any FPS in the country through existing ration card with biometric/Aadhaar authentication
- Family members can claim balance food grains on same ration card
- Beneficiaries can choose their own dealer
- Switch to another FPS shop instantly in case of foul play
- Eligibility
- All eligible ration cardholders/beneficiaries covered under NFSA
- Implementation Strategy
- Inter-State portability of ration cards in 4 States started in August 2019
- 35 states/UTs have implemented the scheme as of February 2022
- Beneficiaries can quote ration card number or Aadhaar number to any FPS dealer
- Authentication through fingerprints or iris identification
- No need to share or carry ration card or Aadhaar card with dealer
Express Learning Management System (ELMS)
One-Stop Solution for UPSC GS & Optional with High-Yield Notes & Mindmaps!