New rules will come into effect from January 1, 2025, know what is going to change – Variousinfo

The Government of India has made important changes in the Ration Card Scheme, which will come into effect from January 1, 2025. These changes are aimed at making the ration distribution system more transparent, efficient and targeted. The new scheme, known as “Mera Ration Card 2.0”, will not only digitalize the ration distribution system but also provide additional financial assistance to the beneficiaries.

Under this new initiative, eligible families will get free food grains as well as an additional amount of ₹1000 every month. This step has been taken to improve the economic condition of the poor and needy families of the country. However, to avail the benefits of this scheme, it is mandatory for all ration card holders to get their e-KYC (Electronic Know Your Customer) done.

What is My Ration Card 2.0?

My Ration Card 2.0 is a latest digital initiative launched by the Government of India to modernize and efficient the ration card system. This scheme is being run under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and aims to provide food security to the poor and needy families of the country.

Brief description of the scheme

Key features of Mera Ration Card 2.0

1. Digital Ration Card: Beneficiaries can keep digital ration card on their smartphones.
2. Online Updation: Any change in the ration card can be made online.
3. Real-Time Tracking: Beneficiaries can track the availability and distribution of their ration in real-time.
4. Aadhar Linking: It is mandatory to link ration card with Aadhar card.
5. Grievance Redressal: Facility to lodge complaint and know its status through the app.
6. Monthly Financial Assistance: Additional amount of ₹1000 per month to eligible beneficiaries.

New rules and eligibility criteria

income limit

• Urban areas: Annual income up to Rs 3 lakh
• Rural areas: Annual income up to Rs 2 lakh

asset limit

• Urban areas: Those owning a flat or house larger than 100 square meters are ineligible.
• Rural areas: Those having a plot larger than 100 square meters are ineligible.

vehicle ownership

• Urban areas: Those owning four wheelers ineligible
• Rural areas: Those owning tractor or four wheeler ineligible

e-KYC process

It is mandatory for all ration card holders to get e-KYC done. The last date for e-KYC is 31 December 2024. Ration cards of beneficiaries who do not complete this process may be cancelled.

Online e-KYC Process

1. Visit the official website of Food Department
2. Enter your Aadhaar card information
3. Verify OTP
4. Upload required documents

Offline e-KYC process

1. Go to the nearest ration dealer or Common Service Center (CSC)
2. Submit Aadhar Card and other documents
3. Get biometric verification done

Change in items available in ration

The quantity of wheat and rice available on ration cards has been revised from January 1, 2025:

For Antyodaya Ration Card holders

Benefits of Mera Ration 2.0 App

1. 24×7 Availability: Beneficiaries can check their ration card information at any time.
2. Paperless process: Digital ration card will reduce paperwork.
3. Quick Updates: Changes in the ration card can be made instantly.
4. Transparency: Digital system will increase transparency in ration distribution.
5. Time Saving: Online process will save time of beneficiaries.
6. Financial assistance: An additional amount of ₹ 1000 per month will provide financial assistance to the families.

Types of Ration Card

1. Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) Card: For the poorest families.
2. Priority Household (PHH) Card: For families below poverty line.
3. Non-Priority Household (NPHH) Card: For families above poverty line.

Documents required for ration card update

• Aadhar card
• PAN card
• copy of bank passbook
• electricity bill
• voter id card
• photo of family members
• Income Certificate (for government employees)

Reasons for cancellation of ration card

• Not getting e-KYC done
• give wrong information
• earning more than the income limit
• Having assets in excess of the prescribed asset limit
• Violation of vehicle ownership rules

Impact of new rules

1. Increase in transparency: e-KYC and digitalization will increase transparency in the system.
2. Targeted distribution: Only the genuine needy people will get the benefits.
3. Reduction in fraud: Fake ration cards will be curbed.
4. Data updation: The government will have more accurate data.
5. Better utilization of resources: There will be more efficient use of government resources.

Tips for ration card holders

• Get e-KYC done on time
• Update your ration card information regularly
• Report changes in income and assets immediately
• Check the quantity of items available at the ration shop
• Register complaint immediately for any problem

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Will the ration card be canceled if e-KYC is not done?
   Yes, ration card can be canceled if e-KYC is not done by 31 December 2024.
2. Will the new rules be applicable to all states simultaneously?
   Yes, these rules will be applicable simultaneously in the entire country from January 1, 2025.
3. Is Aadhar card mandatory for ration card?
   Yes, Aadhaar card is mandatory for e-KYC process.
4. Can ration card be transferred from one state to another?
   Yes, but a special procedure has to be followed for this.
5. Can foreign nationals apply for ration card?
   No, Ration Card is only for Indian citizens.

Disclaimer:This article is for informational purposes only. Although we have attempted to provide accurate information, government regulations and policies are subject to change. Please contact the relevant government department’s website or office for latest and official information. The author or publisher will not be responsible for any action taken based on the information given in this article.