Ration cards are essential documents issued by the government, enabling access to subsidized food and other essential commodities through the Public Distribution System (PDS). This comprehensive guide provides detailed information about ration cards in Assam, including eligibility criteria, application procedures, required documents, and the responsibilities of cardholders.
Understanding the Ration Card System in Assam
Before the implementation of the National Food Security Act (NFSA) of 2013, Assam utilized Family Identity Cards (FIC) with three categories: Above Poverty Line (APL), Below Poverty Line (BPL), and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY). Additionally, the Mukhya Mantrir Anna Suraksha Yojana (MMASY) card was issued by the state government.
With the enactment of NFSA 2013, the previous system was replaced by two new ration card categories:
Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) Ration Card
This card is designed to support the most vulnerable households, ensuring they receive a specified amount of essential commodities at highly subsidized rates.
Priority Household (PHH) Ration Card
This card caters to households above the AAY poverty line but still requiring assistance. PHH cardholders receive subsidized food grains and other essentials through the PDS.
Who Can Apply for a Ration Card under NFSA in Assam?
Several scenarios qualify individuals for a ration card application in Assam:
First-Time Applicants (No Existing Ration Card)
The eldest woman of a household, who is an Indian citizen with an annual family income below ₹400,000, is eligible to apply. If no adult female member is present, the eldest male member may apply. Applicants must obtain a certificate from the Village Head/Gaon Panchayat President/Ward Commissioner/Inspector of Food, Public Distribution & Consumer Affairs (FPD&CA)/concerned authority verifying their lack of a ration card. This certificate, typically granted after submitting an affidavit, must be attached to the application form.
Applying for a Duplicate Ration Card
If a ration card is lost, damaged, or becomes illegible due to circumstances beyond the cardholder’s control, a duplicate can be issued by the competent authority after paying the required fee.
Individuals with a Ration Card from a Previous Location
Individuals relocating to a new area must provide a Surrender Certificate from the FPD&CA authority of their previous residence. This certificate should be attached to the new ration card application.
Adding a Spouse After Marriage
Newly married individuals must obtain a deletion certificate from their previous residence’s FPD&CA authority and attach it, along with their existing ration card, to the application form.
Adding a Newborn Child
To add a newborn child, a birth certificate is required along with the ration card and a written application to the FPD&CA authority.
Where to Apply for a Ration Card in Assam?
Applications for new ration cards should be submitted to the District/Sub-Divisional FPD&CA authority using the prescribed Proforma-C.
Required Documents for Different Ration Card Applications in Assam
The required documents vary depending on the type of application:
New Ration Card
- Detailed information about family members
- Birth certificates (copies) for minors below 10 years old
- Certified copy of the relevant page of the voter list
- Copy of tax payment/land revenue payment receipt
- Surrender certificate of previous ration card or non-availability certificate
- Address proof (attested copy of PAN card, driving license, bank passbook, post office passbook, municipal holding receipt, electricity bill, or telephone bill)
Duplicate Ration Card
- Self-declaration
- Police report
Separate Ration Card
- Original surrender certificate(s)
- Original parental ration card(s)
- Self-declaration
- Certificate from Village Head/Gaon Panchayat President/Ward Commissioner
- No Objection Certificate from the head of the family of the parental ration card
- Proof of date of birth
- Proof of residence
- Photo identity/election ID/PAN card/driving license/passport
Inclusion/Deletion/Surrender
- Original ration card
- Local certificate/election card/PAN card/driving license/passport
- Proof of date of birth
- Original surrender certificate (for inclusion, if applicable)
- Death certificate (in case of death of a member)
Change of Head of Family
- Original ration card
- Death certificate (if applicable)
- No Objection Certificate
Child to Adult Conversion
- Original ration card
- Proof of date of birth
Change of Fair Price Shop (FPS) and/or Residential Address
- Original ration card
- Photo identity/election ID card/PAN card/driving license/passport
Duties of Ration Card Holders
- Safeguard the ration card and prevent unauthorized access.
- Verify the quality, quantity, and weight of commodities received.
- Obtain a cash memo with proper entries in the ration card.
- Report any loss, damage, or required changes to the ration card to the concerned circle office. Refrain from making any alterations to the card.
- Report the death or permanent migration of a family member to ensure necessary updates to the ration card.
FAQ: Ration Cards in Assam
Q: What if I move to a different district within Assam?
A: You will need to surrender your existing ration card and apply for a new one in your new district of residence.
Q: How can I check the status of my ration card application?
A: You can contact the FPD&CA office where you submitted your application for updates on its status.
Q: Can I add my parents to my ration card?
A: The eligibility criteria for adding members to your ration card will depend on the specific regulations under NFSA 2013. Contact your local FPD&CA office for guidance.
We encourage you to share this information and ask any further questions you may have about ration cards in Assam.
