How to Link Aadhaar Card to Ration Card?

Introduction

A ration card is an essential government-issued document that allows individuals access to subsidized food, grains, and fuel. Introduced over five decades ago, the ration card continues to be a vital part of India’s public distribution system (PDS). However, to prevent the misuse of ration cards, such as holding multiple cards or unauthorized access to benefits, the government has made it mandatory to link Aadhaar with ration card. This measure ensures transparency and the effective delivery of subsidies to eligible beneficiaries.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the online and offline processes to link your Aadhaar to your ration card, the importance of this linkage, the required documents, and other essential details.

Process to Link Ration Card with Aadhaar Online

Many states have facilitated the process of linking Aadhaar with ration cards through online platforms. Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Visit the Official State PDS Portal:

Start by visiting the Public Distribution System (PDS) portal of your state. Each state in India has its own PDS website where you can access various services, including linking Aadhaar to your ration card.

2. Enter Your Ration Card Number:

Once on the portal, locate the option to link Aadhaar with the ration card. Enter your ration card number in the specified field.

3. Provide Your Aadhaar Number:

Enter the 12-digit Aadhaar number that you want to link with your ration card. Ensure that the Aadhaar number belongs to the head of the family as registered in the ration card.

4. Input Your Registered Mobile Number:

Provide your mobile number, which is registered with your Aadhaar. This number will be used for verification and communication purposes.

5. Submit the Information:

After entering the required details, click on the “Submit” or “Continue” button to proceed.

6. OTP Verification:

An OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to your registered mobile number. Enter this OTP in the designated field on the website to authenticate your request.

7. Completion:

Once the OTP is verified, your request for linking Aadhaar with your ration card will be processed. You will receive a confirmation message once the linkage is successful.

You may also want to know How to Change name in Aadhaar Card After Marriage?

Process to Link Ration Card with Aadhaar Offline

If you prefer an offline method to link your Ration Card with Aadhaar, follow these simple steps:

1. Visit the Nearest Ration Shop or PDS Center

Find your local Ration Shop or the nearest Public Distribution System (PDS) center where Aadhaar seeding services are available.

2. Carry Required Documents

Bring along photocopies of your Aadhaar card, Ration Card, and a passport-size photograph of the head of the family. Make sure to carry the originals for verification.

3. Fill the Application Form

Ask for the application form to link Aadhaar with the Ration Card. Fill the form with all the necessary details accurately.

4. Submit Documents

Submit the completed form along with the photocopies of the required documents. The PDS representative will verify the details and documents.

5. Receive Confirmation

Once the verification is complete, you will receive a confirmation message on your registered mobile number, indicating that the linking process has been initiated.

How to Link Aadhaar to Ration Card through SMS?

Some states allow linking your Ration Card with Aadhaar via SMS. The process may vary slightly based on state-specific guidelines. Here’s a general approach:

1. Prepare SMS in Specified Format

Check the specific SMS format prescribed by your state’s PDS department. Typically, the message would be something like:

  `RationCardNumber AadhaarNumber`

2. Send SMS to Designated Number

Send the SMS to the official number provided by your state’s PDS department. You can find this number on the state PDS website or by visiting a local ration office.

Type an SMS in the following format:

UID SEED <State Short Code> <Scheme/Program Short Code> <Scheme/Program ID> <Aadhaar Number> and send it to 51969. For example, UID SEED MH POSC 9876543 123478789012.

3. Receive Confirmation Message

Upon sending the SMS, you will receive a confirmation message acknowledging that your request to link Aadhaar with the Ration Card has been registered. Further communication will follow once the process is complete.

These methods make it convenient to link your Ration Card with Aadhaar, ensuring continued access to government benefits and subsidies without any hassle.

Why is Ration Card Link with Aadhaar Important?

Linking your Aadhaar with your ration card is crucial for several reasons:

• Elimination of Duplicate Cards: By linking Aadhaar to ration cards, the government can effectively prevent the issuance of duplicate or multiple ration cards under one individual’s name.
• Ensuring Proper Distribution: Aadhaar linkage ensures that only eligible beneficiaries receive the subsidized food grains and fuel intended for them. This prevents the misuse of government subsidies.
• Streamlining Government Benefits: Aadhaar acts as a universal identification document, linking it with ration cards helps in the seamless distribution of benefits across various government schemes.
• Improved Transparency: The linkage improves transparency in the public distribution system by reducing instances of fraud and corruption.

Documents Needed for Aadhaar Link with Ration Card

To link Aadhaar with ration card, you will need the following documents:

• Ration Card: A photocopy of your ration card along with the original for verification.
• Aadhaar Card: Photocopies of the Aadhaar cards for all family members.
• Head of Family’s Aadhaar: A photocopy of the Aadhaar card of the head of the family.
• Photograph: A passport-sized photograph of the head of the family.
• Bank Passbook: If your bank account is not linked with Aadhaar, carry a photocopy of your bank passbook.

Benefits of Linking Aadhaar Card with Ration Card

Linking your Aadhaar with your ration card offers several benefits:

• Prevention of Fraudulent Claims: Aadhaar linkage helps in minimizing the number of fraudulent ration cardholders who might otherwise claim benefits meant for economically disadvantaged individuals.
• Single Ration Card Per Household: Once linked, Aadhaar ensures that each household has only one ration card, preventing the creation of duplicate cards.
• Reduction of Corruption: The biometric-enabled system reduces the chances of corruption in the public distribution system by ensuring that only genuine beneficiaries receive the benefits.
• Efficient Distribution System: Aadhaar linkage creates an audit trail in the PDS, improving the efficiency and accountability of the system.
• Ease of Access: With Aadhaar linked to the ration card, beneficiaries can easily access government benefits and services, ensuring they receive what they are entitled to without unnecessary delays.

Conclusion

Linking Aadhaar with your ration card is a crucial step to ensure the efficient and transparent distribution of government subsidies. Whether you choose to do it online, offline, or via SMS, the process is straightforward and designed to be accessible to all. By linking these two important documents, you contribute to a system that benefits the right individuals and curbs the misuse of resources.