One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme for ensure food security 2024

The One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme is an innovative initiative by the Government of India to ensure food security for migrant workers and their families across the country. This program allows beneficiaries of the Public Distribution System (PDS) to access subsidized food grains anywhere in India, irrespective of their original ration card’s state of issuance.

One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme, including its benefits, eligibility, advantages, disadvantages, and a step-by-step application process. This article is written in simple language and follows Google’s EEAT SEO guidelines, making it easy for everyone, including a 15-year-old, to understand.

What is the One Nation One Ration Card Scheme?

Launched in 2019, the ONORC scheme aims to create a unified system where ration cards are universally accepted throughout India. It primarily focuses on ensuring food security for millions of migrant workers who move across states for employment, education, or other reasons.

This initiative is part of the government’s broader vision of leveraging technology to simplify access to essential resources, fostering inclusivity, and improving the efficiency of welfare programs.

Objectives of the ONORC Scheme

1. Food Security for All:
   Ensure that no citizen is deprived of subsidized food grains, regardless of their location.
2. Support for Migrant Workers:
   Cater to the food requirements of migrant laborers and their families.
3. Enhanced Transparency:
   Reduce corruption and pilferage in the Public Distribution System.
4. Ease of Access:
   Enable portability of ration cards across states.

Key Features of ONORC

1. Ration Card Portability:
   Beneficiaries can access subsidized food grains under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) from any fair price shop (FPS) in India.
2. Technology Integration:
   The system leverages Aadhaar authentication and an Integrated Management of Public Distribution System (IM-PDS) portal for real-time tracking.
3. National Scale:
   Covers all Indian states and union territories, ensuring a nationwide reach.
4. Standardized Ration Cards:
   Implementation of a uniform ration card format with state-specific details and a unique identification number.
5. Seamless Benefit Sharing:
   Enables families to split their entitlements across locations. For example, a family member working in a different state can use their share of food grains without affecting the rest of the family.

Benefits of ONORC

1. Accessibility Anywhere:
   Beneficiaries can avail their entitlements from any FPS across India.
2. Empowerment of Migrant Workers:
   Addresses the challenges faced by migrant workers in accessing ration benefits.
3. Ease of Use:
   Beneficiaries don’t need to apply for a new ration card when they move to a different state.
4. Transparency:
   The scheme reduces corruption and ensures the efficient distribution of food grains.
5. Wider Reach:
   Covers millions of households, enhancing the reach of the Public Distribution System.
6. Women Empowerment:
   Ration cards are issued in the name of the eldest woman in the household, promoting gender equality.

Eligibility Criteria for ONORC

1. NFSA Beneficiaries:
   Must be enrolled under the National Food Security Act (2013).
2. Valid Ration Card Holder:
   Must possess a valid ration card from their home state.
3. Aadhaar Linked:
   Ration card must be linked with the Aadhaar number of the beneficiaries.
4. Inclusion in State PDS:
   Beneficiaries must be part of their respective state’s Public Distribution System.

Advantages of ONORC

1. Enhanced Mobility:
   Migrants can access subsidized food grains anywhere in India.
2. Reduced Financial Burden:
   Helps the economically weaker sections meet their basic needs affordably.
3. Improved Efficiency:
   Streamlines the distribution process through technology and eliminates duplicate ration cards.
4. Boost to Digital Governance:
   Promotes the use of digital platforms for public welfare.
5. Inclusivity:
   Ensures that food grains reach even the most marginalized sections of society.

Disadvantages of ONORC

1. Dependency on Technology:
   Internet connectivity and technical glitches can cause delays in authentication.
2. Awareness Gap:
   Many beneficiaries, especially in rural areas, may not be aware of the scheme.
3. Inter-State Coordination Issues:
   Differences in state policies and execution methods can lead to operational challenges.
4. Initial Transition:
   States may face difficulties transitioning to a unified system.
5. Exclusion Risks:
   Beneficiaries without Aadhaar or valid documentation may face challenges accessing the scheme.

How to Apply for One Nation One Ration Card?

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Ensure Aadhaar Linking

• Visit your nearest ration office to link your Aadhaar card with your ration card.

Step 2: Update Mobile Number

• Ensure that your mobile number is updated in the PDS database for authentication purposes.

Step 3: Check Eligibility

• Verify your eligibility under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).

Step 4: Visit the State PDS Portal

• Log in to your state’s official PDS portal or visit the ration office.

Step 5: Apply for a Standardized Ration Card

• Submit an application to update your ration card to the ONORC format if required.

Step 6: Start Using the ONORC System

• Once updated, you can access food grains at any FPS across India using Aadhaar-based authentication.

FAQs About ONORC

1. Can I use my existing ration card for ONORC?

Yes, as long as your ration card is Aadhaar-linked, you can use it under ONORC.

2. Is ONORC available in all states?

Yes, all Indian states and union territories are covered under ONORC.

3. How do I find the nearest fair price shop?

You can use the m-PDS app or check with the local ration office for a list of FPS locations.

The One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme is a revolutionary step towards achieving food security for all, especially migrant workers and economically weaker sections. By ensuring portability, transparency, and accessibility, this initiative reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive growth.

If you or your family are eligible, take advantage of the scheme to access subsidized food grains anywhere in India.

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• Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awaas Yojana (PMGAY)
• Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM)

For more details, visit the official portal: https://www.nfsa.gov.in.