A ration card is a document issued by the government that allows eligible families to purchase essential food items at subsidized rates. In India, ration cards are issued by the state governments and are an essential document for millions of families across the country. Let’s take a closer look at what a ration card is, the types of ration cards available, and their significance.
What is a Ration Card?
A ration card is a document that entitles a family to purchase essential food items such as rice, wheat, sugar, and kerosene at subsidized rates from the government-run ration shops or PDS (Public Distribution System) outlets. The purpose of the ration card is to ensure food security for vulnerable sections of society and to prevent hunger and malnutrition.
Types of Ration Cards
In India, there are mainly three types of ration cards – BPL (Below Poverty Line), APL (Above Poverty Line), and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) cards.
BPL Ration Card: The BPL Ration Card is issued to families that fall below the poverty line, and their annual income is less than a specified amount. BPL cardholders are entitled to the maximum subsidy, and they can purchase food grains at a highly subsidized rate from PDS outlets.
APL Ration Card: The APL Ration Card is issued to families whose annual income is above the poverty line. APL cardholders are entitled to a lower subsidy compared to BPL cardholders, and they can purchase food grains at a lower subsidized rate.
Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) Card: The AAY card is issued to the poorest of the poor families, and they are entitled to the maximum subsidy. AAY cardholders can purchase food grains at a highly subsidized rate from PDS outlets.
Significance of Ration Cards
Ration cards play a crucial role in ensuring food security for millions of families across India. The subsidized food grains provided through PDS outlets are a lifeline for many families, especially those living below the poverty line. Ration cards also serve as an important document for availing various government schemes and benefits.
However, the PDS system has been plagued with issues such as leakages, corruption, and inefficiencies. The government has been taking various measures to improve the functioning of the PDS system, such as digitization, biometric authentication, and direct benefit transfer.
In conclusion, ration cards are an essential document for millions of families in India, providing them access to subsidized food grains and ensuring food security. The government must continue to address the issues plaguing the PDS system and take necessary steps to make it more efficient, transparent, and corruption-free.
Government has introduced many beneficial schemes for the betterment of individual. One of them is employment card. Employment card is a document issued by the government to help people in the unorganized sector and those who are unemployed to find work.