The central government has recently announced an extension of the deadline for linking Aadhaar with ration cards.
Previously set for June 30, 2023, the new deadline now allows individuals until September 30, 2023, to complete the linking process.
The Department of Food and Public Distribution has issued a gazette notification to notify the public about this order.
The primary objective behind this requirement is to eliminate the possession of multiple ration cards.
Under the public distribution system, eligible families below the poverty line receive affordable grains and kerosene oil through ration cards distributed via government-run ration shops.
Similar to documents such as passports, Aadhaar cards, and voter ID cards, the ration card serves as proof of identity and address for individuals.
It has come to the government’s attention that several people possess multiple ration cards, enabling them to obtain a larger quantity of subsidized goods.
This practice disrupts the fair distribution of cheap grains to those who genuinely need assistance.
By linking Aadhaar with the ration card, individuals will be restricted from holding more than one ration card, thus preventing the accumulation of excessive benefits.
Moreover, individuals will be unable to receive more rations than their allocated quota, ensuring that subsidized food grains reach only the intended beneficiaries.
To facilitate the Aadhaar-ration card linking process online, follow these steps:
1) Gather photocopies of the ration card, Aadhaar cards of all family members mentioned in the ration card, and a passport-sized photo of the head of the family.
2) Visit the official portal of the Public Distribution System.
3) Enter the Aadhaar card number, ration card number, and registered mobile number.
4) Click on the “Continue” button to proceed.
5) An OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to your registered mobile number.
6) Enter the OTP and select the option to link your ration card with Aadhaar.
Once the provided information is validated against the Aadhaar database, and the necessary official processes are completed,
you will receive a notification confirming the successful linking of your ration card with Aadhaar.
Linking your Aadhaar card with your ration card online is a simple and crucial step towards ensuring a fair and transparent distribution system,
guaranteeing that only those in genuine need receive subsidized food grains.
