New Ration Card Rules 2026
RSD-Bharat news: The Central Government, while continuing the free ration facility under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), has issued new guidelines for identifying beneficiaries:
100% Digitalization: All ration cards across the country have been 100% digitized. Over 99% of these cards are already linked with Aadhaar.
e-KYC Mandatory: Every member on the ration card must complete e-KYC. Failure to do so may result in the member’s name being removed from the card.
One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC): This facility has been further strengthened to enable migrant workers to receive rations anywhere in the country. Currently, over 200 crore portability transactions have been recorded nationwide.
Smart Ration Cards: In states like Andhra Pradesh, the process of distributing new ‘smart ration cards’ free of charge in place of old cards has also been accelerated.
Simplifying e-KYC
To avoid difficulties in the e-KYC process, the government has increased the number of verification centers. Beneficiaries can complete this process using the following methods:
1. At Ration Shops (FPS):
You can go to your nearest ration shop and complete the e-KYC by providing your fingerprints (Biometric) through the e-PoS machine available there. This is the easiest method.
2. Online:
You can also do it through your state’s Civil Supplies Department (PDS) website:
Select the ‘e-KYC for Ration Card’ option on the website.
Enter the ration card number and Aadhaar number.
Enter the OTP sent to the mobile number linked to Aadhaar and submit.
3. At Mee-Seva / Secretariats:
You can also submit documents and update e-KYC at Able Mee-Seva Kendras at Village/Ward Secretariats.
4. At Mee-Seva / Secretariats:
You can also submit documents and update e-KYC at Village/Ward Secretariats or Mee-Seva Kendras.
Who is exempted??
Young children (below five years of age).
Elderly or sick people whose biometrics are not correct (alternative verification methods are available for them).
Note: To avoid deletion of member names from your ration card, it is best to complete e-KYC within the deadline imposed by the government.
