Ration card (India): Difference between revisions
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In India, '''ration cards''' are primarily used to purchase subsidized food and fuel (LPG, kerosene, wheat, and rice); they are used in the present and were also used during World War II as well. They are an important subsistence tool for the poor, providing proof of identity and a connection with government databases. India's [[public distribution system]] (PDS) operates based on the ration card, using it to establish identity, eligibility, and entitlement.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indiagovernance.gov.in/news.php?id=1813 |title=Aadhaar-based PDS in Andhra Pradesh inspires other states |website=Indiagovernance.gov.in |date=2012-11-05 |accessdate=2016-06-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://dfpd.nic.in/?q=node/1020 |title=Department of Food and Public Distribution, India |website=Dfpd.nic.in |date= |accessdate=2016-06-11}}</ref><ref>[http://www.apcivilsupplies.gov.in/] {{dead link|date=June 2016}}</ref><ref name="autogenerated8"/> |
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==Physical appearance== |
==Physical appearance== |
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The ration card is either an |
The ration card is either an A4-size folded paper card or a chip-embedded plastic card. It bears a photograph of the head of the family. One is issued per family by the state government. Three categories of card are issued: [[Antyodaya Anna Yojana|extreme poverty level (Antyodaya)]], [[Below Poverty Line (India)|below poverty line (BPL)]], and above poverty line (APL). These poverty lines are defined by the [[Planning Commission of India]] every few years based on data collection and analysis from various sources.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bangaloreone.gov.in/public/RationCard_info.aspx |title=Food and Civil Supplies-Ration Card |website=Bangaloreone.gov.in |date= |accessdate=2016-06-11}}</ref> |
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==Obtaining ration |
==Obtaining ration cards== |
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While it is voluntary to obtain ration cards in India, they are needed to obtain subsidized |
While it is voluntary to obtain ration cards in India, they are needed to obtain subsidized food and fuel. Eligibility for the Antyodaya, BPL and APL ration cards is based on the economic status of the family. |
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To get an APL card in the state of Delhi, the applicant must present two copies of a photograph of the head of the family (HoF), ID proof, address proof, and ₹25 as fee, along with the old ration card, if any. Processing typically takes 1 month.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.delhi.gov.in/wps/wcm/connect/96ce4500419c5607943995c1cd8dfa9d/Procedure_New_RationCard.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=96ce4500419c5607943995c1cd8dfa9d&Procedure%20for%20New%20Ration%20Card |format=PDF |title=E). Procedure to apply for new ration cards and the list of documents required. |website=Delhi.gov.in |accessdate=2016-06-11}}</ref> |
To get an APL or BPL card in the state of Delhi, the applicant must present two copies of a photograph of the head of the family (HoF), ID proof, address proof, and ₹25 as fee, along with the old ration card, if any. Processing typically takes 1 month.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.delhi.gov.in/wps/wcm/connect/96ce4500419c5607943995c1cd8dfa9d/Procedure_New_RationCard.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=96ce4500419c5607943995c1cd8dfa9d&Procedure%20for%20New%20Ration%20Card |format=PDF |title=E). Procedure to apply for new ration cards and the list of documents required. |website=Delhi.gov.in |accessdate=2016-06-11}}</ref> |
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| ⚫ | Karnataka state accepts online ration card applications only under the e-governance initiative; the old system of paper applications has become obsolete. An applicant gets acknowledgement with appointment upon filling an online application and uploading a scanned [[Portable Document Format|PDF]] copy of his/her ID proof, age proof, address proof and income proof. On the day of appointment, the applicant, along with all members of the family, visit the ration registration office with originals of uploaded documents for verification and biometric data collection (photos and fingerprints of all members). Physical verification of the information is made at the home address (e.g. LPG connection for kerosene eligibility, house type to determine income level for BPL card eligibility), and then the eligible ration card is issued in one month by the district supply office (DSO). One can check the application status online. All front-end work for registration, biometric data collection and physical verification at home is done by DSO appointed private firms under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model for efficiency reasons.<ref name=autogenerated8>{{cite web|url=http://ahara.kar.nic.in/ |title=Govt. of KARNATAKA. Food and Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs |website=Ahara.kar.nic.in |date=2016-05-31 |accessdate=2016-06-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.karnataka.com/govt/how-to-apply-for-ration-card-in-bangalore/ |title=How to Apply for Ration Card in Bangalore |website=Karnataka.com |date=2013-04-08 |accessdate=2016-06-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ahara.kar.nic.in/status1/verify_rationcard.aspx |title=Govt. of KARNATAKA. Food and Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs |website=Ahara.kar.nic.in |date= |accessdate=2016-06-11}}</ref> To know more about the procedure to apply new Ration Card and checking online status, you can check the corresponding reference.<ref>{{cite web|author=Checkstatusin|url=http://www.checkstatusin.com/2015/12/31/167-ration-card-status/ |title=Apply a New Ration Card|publisher=checkstatusin.com |date=15 Feb 2016 |accessdate=2016-02-15}}</ref> |
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A BPL card entitles the holders' family to more benefits; for example, more rations and more kerosene at the subsidized rate. Acquiring a BPL card follows the same process as acquiring an APL card. |
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| ⚫ | Karnataka state accepts online ration card applications only |
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==Social security benefits== |
==Social security benefits== |
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The following table shows financial size of the social security benefits/[[Subsidies in India|subsidies]] funded by the Union Government of India. The table does not cover other programs operated by various State Governments (see [[Public welfare in India]]). The social security benefits/subsidies offered by various state governments is estimated to be above ₹600 billion (US$10 billion). Thus, total subsidies become |
The following table shows financial size of the social security benefits/[[Subsidies in India|subsidies]] funded by the Union Government of India. The table does not cover other programs operated by various State Governments (see [[Public welfare in India]]). The social security benefits/subsidies offered by various state governments is estimated to be above ₹600 billion (US$10 billion). Thus, total subsidies become ₹3,600 billion (US$60 billion).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/economy/budget-2013-food-security-gets-rs-10kcr-fy14-subsidy-at-rs-231lk-cr_832058.html |title=Budget 2013: Food Security gets Rs 10Kcr; FY14 subsidy at Rs 2.31lk-cr |website=Moneycontrol.com |date=2013-02-28 |accessdate=2016-06-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.firstpost.com/economy/budget-2013-rural-development-gets-46-hike-rs-33000-cr-for-mgnregs-643294.html |title=Budget 2013: Rural development gets 46% hike, Rs 33,000 cr for MGNREGS |website=Firstpost.com |date= |accessdate=2016-06-11}}</ref> |
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Thus, PDS related subsidy alone for food is |
Thus, PDS related subsidy alone for food is ₹1,250 (US$20.83), added further to kerosene and LPG together is ₹600 billion (US$10 billion) i.e. approx. 60% of total petroleum subsidy. |
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Revision as of 17:27, 15 June 2016
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In India, ration cards are primarily used to purchase subsidized food and fuel (LPG, kerosene, wheat, and rice); they are used in the present and were also used during World War II as well. They are an important subsistence tool for the poor, providing proof of identity and a connection with government databases. India's public distribution system (PDS) operates based on the ration card, using it to establish identity, eligibility, and entitlement.[1][2][3][4]
Physical appearance
The ration card is either an A4-size folded paper card or a chip-embedded plastic card. It bears a photograph of the head of the family. One is issued per family by the state government. Three categories of card are issued: extreme poverty level (Antyodaya), below poverty line (BPL), and above poverty line (APL). These poverty lines are defined by the Planning Commission of India every few years based on data collection and analysis from various sources.[5]
Obtaining ration cards
While it is voluntary to obtain ration cards in India, they are needed to obtain subsidized food and fuel. Eligibility for the Antyodaya, BPL and APL ration cards is based on the economic status of the family.
To get an APL or BPL card in the state of Delhi, the applicant must present two copies of a photograph of the head of the family (HoF), ID proof, address proof, and ₹25 as fee, along with the old ration card, if any. Processing typically takes 1 month.[6]
Karnataka state accepts online ration card applications only under the e-governance initiative; the old system of paper applications has become obsolete. An applicant gets acknowledgement with appointment upon filling an online application and uploading a scanned PDF copy of his/her ID proof, age proof, address proof and income proof. On the day of appointment, the applicant, along with all members of the family, visit the ration registration office with originals of uploaded documents for verification and biometric data collection (photos and fingerprints of all members). Physical verification of the information is made at the home address (e.g. LPG connection for kerosene eligibility, house type to determine income level for BPL card eligibility), and then the eligible ration card is issued in one month by the district supply office (DSO). One can check the application status online. All front-end work for registration, biometric data collection and physical verification at home is done by DSO appointed private firms under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model for efficiency reasons.[4][7][8] To know more about the procedure to apply new Ration Card and checking online status, you can check the corresponding reference.[9]
Social security benefits
The following table shows financial size of the social security benefits/subsidies funded by the Union Government of India. The table does not cover other programs operated by various State Governments (see Public welfare in India). The social security benefits/subsidies offered by various state governments is estimated to be above ₹600 billion (US$10 billion). Thus, total subsidies become ₹3,600 billion (US$60 billion).[10][11]
Thus, PDS related subsidy alone for food is ₹1,250 (US$20.83), added further to kerosene and LPG together is ₹600 billion (US$10 billion) i.e. approx. 60% of total petroleum subsidy.
| Region | Social security program | Billion Rupee | Billion US$ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pan India | Total subsidy for FY-2013-14 (approx) | 3,600 | 60.00 |
| Pan India | Food Security (PDS) (subsidy) | 1,250 | 20.83 |
| Pan India | Petroleum (subsidy) | 970 | 16.17 |
| Rural | Fertilizer (subsidy) | 660 | 11.00 |
| Rural | NREGA (non-subsidy) | 330 | 5.50 |
| Rural | Child development (ICDS) (non-subsidy) | 177 | 2.95 |
| Rural | Drinking water and sanitation (non-subsidy) | 152 | 2.53 |
| Rural | Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY) (non-subsidy) | 151 | 2.52 |
| Rural | Maternal and child malnutrition (non-subsidy) | 3 | 0.05 |
| States | Various programmes of state govts (subsidy/non-subsidy) | 600 | 10.00 |
Problem areas
There are plenty of problems with PDS ration system. There are millions of ineligible, fake and bogus ration cards.[12]
At the same time, there are millions of poor without any ration card.[13][14]
PDS shop owners in collusion with government officials divert the subsidized food supply and petroleum to black market. Inflated number of ration cards – bogus ration cards, fake people (imaginary, dead, real person but non-eligible) and duplicates from other areas. The ration quota of fake people and unused quota by real beneficiary is shown as fully used-up and material is diverted to black market, causing huge subsidy loss of public money.[15][16]
Steps to resolve problems
Government is taking various steps to prevent corruption, leakage and diversion of PDS ration.[17]
Aadhaar-enabled beneficiary
The bank account and ration card of eligible beneficiary is linked to Aadhaar number. A pre-existing or new bank account can be enabled as AeBA by seeding (linking) it with Aadhaar number. Seeding makes mapping information stored onto NPCI payment-gateway, that facilitates the subsidy payment. The seeding helps identify the genuine and eligible beneficiary, and prevents duplicate and non-existent (fake, dead) persons.[18] One can link bank account as self-service option through ATM kiosk, Internet, bank website, telephone or by providing a copy of the Aadhaar letter to bank. Bank links the account with Aadhaar number after online verification through RASF (Remote Aadhaar Sharing Framework link).[19]
Prior to Aadhaar, the issues that have been plaguing and derailing all social security programs in India, were caused by corrupt officials and middlemen by manipulating the paper-records and stand-alone databases of the social security services. Due to lack of unique identifier like Aadhaar, stand-alone databases cannot detect and eliminate duplicate & fake beneficiaries. So, the most common modus operandi adopted by these corrupt people have been to inflate the beneficiary list 10 times larger, by inserting duplicates and fake people (imaginary, dead, real person but non-eligible). Then, they tempt to steal the 90% of the social security benefits money, thus depriving the deserving poor.[20][21][22]
Aadhaar-enabled DBT
Aadhaar-enabled service delivery (AeSD) prevents corruption in retail area by directly crediting the benefit money into beneficiary's bank account (called Direct Benefit Transfer – DBT). It eliminates the middlemen, duplicates, fake and ineligible beneficiaries. Thus, Aadhaar saves public money to the tune of multi-billion rupee annually from the corrupt, and also enables poor to access various social security benefits.[16][23][24][25][26]
Various financial as well as non-financial services are being made Aadhaar-enabled, called Aadhaar-enabled Service Delivery (AeSD) in a phased manner.[27] By 1 January 2014, half of India (289 districts across various states) has been covered under DBT for subsidised LPG. By August 2013, 6.3 million duplicate connections of LPG were detected by Aadhaar-seeding and have been cancelled. Thus, government saved $1 billion on reduced import by mid-2013.[28]
Aadhaar-enabled eligibility check
Eligibility check of beneficiaries is done by comparing the service delivery database with other databases. For example – PDS kerosene eligibility check is done by comparing PDS database with LPG database; and subsidy on kerosene allocation is reduced if LPG subsidy is detected for that household.[29]
Aadhaar-enabled direct benefit transfer (DBT) is an Aadhaar-enabled financial service used for direct payment of social security benefits into the bank account of the Aadhaar holder.[23][30]
Eligibility of beneficiary applied is based on rules and is cross-checked with other related databases which are also Aadhaar linked. This approach is designed to improve the audit trail, added efficiency; prevent corruption, middlemen and delayed payments; eliminate non-existent, duplicate and ineligible beneficiaries. It results in direct benefit access to the eligible people; and saves multi-billion rupee from corruption annually.[21][31]
Tangible benefits become visible from 2014. A report of UBS Securities published in January 2014 shows that Aadhaar DBT can save 1.2% of GDP. GDP of India is $1,800 billion, thus the saving is $22 billion (₹1.32 trillion), which ultimately translates to 33% savings on overall social security spending.
Finance Minister informed the Parliament during Vote on Account that as of 31 January 2014, under DBT ₹33 billion for 21 million LPG subsidy and ₹6.28 billion (628 crores) have been transferred for various social programs in 5.4 million transactions.[32][33]
e-Ration Card Services
With the help of e-Ration service, people can apply and obtain ration cards and also check the availability of food grains and their cost online. This will help in ending the corrupt practice of holding back rations and ensuring that the cards reach the needy. Anyone who has an Aadhaar card can apply for e-ration card. The website of Department of Food Supplies and Consumer Affairs will provide the details of people coming under food security scheme. This service is introduced in Delhi for the first time.[34]
PDS ration in Andhra Pradesh
PDS ration in some districts of Andhra Pradesh can be an illustrative example of using modern technology to prevent retail corruption. Here ration card and corresponding bank account of the head of the family (HoF) have been seeded (linked) with Aadhaar Numbers of family members.[17][35][36]
When a person goes to a PDS shop to buy ration, the person is authenticated instantly through Aadhaar KYC handheld device. The PDS computer system reads out the quantity eligibility and balance of each item in local language. After purchase, the balance quantities for that month are read out. The buyer pays the open market rate to the PDS shop. Computer printed receipt is generated with all purchased items, balance items, money paid and subsidy amount. The subsidy amount is credited to the bank account of the beneficiary under DBT program.[37][38]
Since the PDS computer system is connected to the central server, therefore people can buy ration items from any PDS shop. If some item is not available at one shop, then people can buy the same from another shop. It is like anytime anywhere bank ATM. Thus, it provides tremendous flexibility, access and options to the public that was never seen before in PDS.[39]
Once all PDS shop of the state are linked to Aadhaar-enabled central server, then people can buy their ration anywhere in the state without changing ration card (like bank ATM card). It will prove to be a boon for the migrant workers in the state.
In the similar way, subsidized LPG is linked with the Aadhaar Number and delivery is made at market rate. The subsidy amount is credited as DBT to the eligible beneficiary. Thus, leakage and diversions of subsidized commodity do not give any benefit to the middlemen, hence, this retail corruption comes to halt.
PDS ration in Karnataka
It is similar to the PDS ration in Andhra Pradesh except that it is not yet Aadhaar enabled, hence there is no DBT. The PDS computer system reads out the quantity eligibility and balance of each item in local language.
DBT on LPG is same standard process all over India.
Low acceptance of ration card as ID and address proof
Ration card has very low acceptability and reliability as ID and address proof.[citation needed] Therefore, it is not considered as the primary proof by various agencies. Since, there is no mechanism to authenticate it online instantly at the point of service unlike digital Aadhaar and there are millions of defunct, invalid, fake ration cards, therefore, passport office and banks consider it only as a secondary proof, and not the primary proof.[citation needed]
See also
- Public distribution system (India)
- Aadhaar
- Aadhaar-enabled service delivery
- Subsidies
- Public welfare in India
References
- ^ "Aadhaar-based PDS in Andhra Pradesh inspires other states". Indiagovernance.gov.in. 5 November 2012. Retrieved 11 June 2016.
- ^ "Department of Food and Public Distribution, India". Dfpd.nic.in. Retrieved 11 June 2016.
- ^ [1] [dead link]
- ^ a b "Govt. of KARNATAKA. Food and Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs". Ahara.kar.nic.in. 31 May 2016. Retrieved 11 June 2016.
- ^ "Food and Civil Supplies-Ration Card". Bangaloreone.gov.in. Retrieved 11 June 2016.
- ^ "E). Procedure to apply for new ration cards and the list of documents required" (PDF). Delhi.gov.in. Retrieved 11 June 2016.
- ^ "How to Apply for Ration Card in Bangalore". Karnataka.com. 8 April 2013. Retrieved 11 June 2016.
- ^ "Govt. of KARNATAKA. Food and Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs". Ahara.kar.nic.in. Retrieved 11 June 2016.
- ^ Checkstatusin (15 February 2016). "Apply a New Ration Card". checkstatusin.com. Retrieved 15 February 2016.
- ^ "Budget 2013: Food Security gets Rs 10Kcr; FY14 subsidy at Rs 2.31lk-cr". Moneycontrol.com. 28 February 2013. Retrieved 11 June 2016.
- ^ "Budget 2013: Rural development gets 46% hike, Rs 33,000 cr for MGNREGS". Firstpost.com. Retrieved 11 June 2016.
- ^ "30 lakh bogus ration cards could derail scheme". Timesofindia.indiatimes.com. 2 July 2013. Retrieved 11 June 2016.
- ^ "They Face Extreme Poverty, but have APL Ration Cards". The New Indian Express. 21 February 2014. Retrieved 11 June 2016.
- ^ "The right to ration cards | Business Standard Column". Business-standard.com. Retrieved 11 June 2016.
- ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 28 March 2014.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ a b "Aadhaar link needed to control subsidy leakage:". Timesofindia.indiatimes.com. 19 January 2014. Retrieved 11 June 2016.
- ^ a b "Aadhaar Enabled Public Distribution System - A Case Study of East Godavari District" (PDF). Microsave.net. Retrieved 11 June 2016.
- ^ "National Payments Corporation of India". Npci.org.in. Retrieved 11 June 2016.
- ^ Reshma Ravishanker (11 March 2014). "Banks link Aadhaar numbers to account through ATM". Deccanherald.com. Retrieved 11 June 2016.
- ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 May 2015. Retrieved 28 March 2014.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ a b "India News, Latest Sports, Bollywood, World, Business & Politics News". Articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Retrieved 11 June 2016.
- ^ "Aadhar helps weed out fake ration cards in Andhra". Indian Express. 18 December 2012. Retrieved 11 June 2016.
- ^ a b "Chief secretary orders probe into Aadhaar discrepancies". Timesofindia.indiatimes.com. 19 January 2014. Retrieved 11 June 2016.
- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 24 January 2014. Retrieved 28 March 2014.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ "Aadhaar to help eradicate poverty: World Bank chief | Business Standard News". Business-standard.com. Retrieved 11 June 2016.
- ^ "Anna's protest unjustified: Nandan Nilekani". YouTube. 18 August 2011. Retrieved 11 June 2016.
- ^ "India News, Latest Sports, Bollywood, World, Business & Politics News". Articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Retrieved 11 June 2016.
- ^ "Drive against cooking gas misuse helps government save $1 billion in imports". Timesofindia.indiatimes.com. 14 October 2013. Retrieved 11 June 2016.
- ^ "India News, Latest Sports, Bollywood, World, Business & Politics News". Articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Retrieved 11 June 2016.
- ^ "Report of the Task Force on an Aadhaar-Enabled Unified Payment Infrastructure" (PDF). Finmin.nic.in. Retrieved 11 June 2016.
- ^ "Over 13 lakh fake old age pension beneficiaries - News18". Ibnlive.in.com. 10 June 2011. Retrieved 11 June 2016.
- ^ "Vote on Account 2014: Govt committed to Aadhaar; Rs 3,370 cr transferred to LPG beneficiaries - timesofindia-economictimes". Articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com. Retrieved 11 June 2016.
- ^ "Government fully committed to Aadhaar". The Hindu. 17 February 2014. Retrieved 11 June 2016.
- ^ "India's first e-ration card service launched by Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal : Art and Culture". Indiatoday.intoday.in. 28 March 2015. Retrieved 11 June 2016.
- ^ "eINDIA 2012 » INDIA'S LARGEST ICT EVENT » Aadhaar Enabled Public Distribution System – Civil Supplies Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh". Eindia.eletsonline.com. 22 October 2012. Retrieved 11 June 2016.
- ^ K. V. Kurmanath. "Aadhaar, PDS database link to help AP plug loopholes | Business Line". Thehindubusinessline.com. Retrieved 11 June 2016.
- ^ "Andhra Pradesh links PDS to Aadhaar card". Deccanherald.com. 8 September 2012. Retrieved 11 June 2016.
- ^ "Aadhaar-based PDS is yielding good results in East Godavari - ANDHRA PRADESH". The Hindu. 5 October 2012. Retrieved 11 June 2016.
- ^ "Aadhaar-linked biometric device to replace plan for smart cards at ration shops". The Hindu. 15 March 2013. Retrieved 11 June 2016.