How to Link Ration Card with Aadhaar

Ration Cards have been a vital government document in India for decades, providing access to subsidized food, grains, and gasoline. It ensures affordable provisions and serves as proof of identification, connecting individuals to the government database. To prevent duplication and ensure transparency, the government has introduced ways to link Aadhaar with a Ration Card, allowing one person to hold only one ration card.
Linking a Ration Card and Aadhaar Card prevents fraudulent activities and provides additional benefits. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to link a ration card with Aadhaar, with the necessary documents required for the process. 
 

Steps to Link Ration Card and Aadhaar Card Online

The procedure to link a Ration Card and Aadhaar Card online is mentioned below.

1. Visit your state's Public Distribution System (PDS) portal on their website.

2. Provide the number mentioned on your Ration Card.

3. Enter your Aadhaar Card number.

4. Input your registered mobile phone number.

5. Click the continue/submit button to proceed.

6. A unique OTP (one-time password) is generated and sent to your registered mobile phone number.

7. Enter the received OTP to finalise your request for linking Aadhaar with your Ration Card.
 

Steps to Link Ration Card and Aadhaar Card Offline

The procedure to link a Ration Card and Aadhaar Card online is mentioned below. 

1. Make photocopies of the Aadhaar cards of all family members and a photocopy of the Ration Card.

2. If your Aadhaar card is not linked to your bank account, take a photocopy of your bank passbook as well.

3. Additionally, obtain a passport-sized photograph of the head of the family and submit all these documents to the ration office or the Public Distribution System (PDS)/ration shop.

4. You may be asked to provide fingerprint identification on their sensors to authenticate the information against the Aadhaar database.

5. Once the submitted documents have reached the relevant department, you will receive a notification via SMS or email.

6. The authorities will process your documents, and once the Ration Card is successfully linked with the Aadhaar cards, you will be notified accordingly.
 

What are the Documents Required to Link Aadhaar Card with Ration Card?

Here’s a list of documents required for linking your Ration card with your Aadhaar card, whether you choose to do it online or offline.

• Photocopy of the original Ration Card.
• Photocopies of Aadhaar cards of all your family members.
• Photocopy of the Aadhaar card of the head of the family.
• A copy of your bank passbook.
• Two passport-size photos of the head of the family. 
   

How to Link Aadhaar to Ration Card through SMS?

Linking your Ration Card and Aadhaar Card can be done through SMS as well! Follow these steps to link your Ration Card and your Aadhaar Card.

1. In the text box, the applicant needs to enter the following information: "UID SEED State Short Code> Scheme/Program Short Code> Scheme/Program ID> Aadhaar Number>". For instance, you can send a message like "UID SEED MH POSC 9876543 123478789012" to 51969.

2. Subsequently, the applicant will receive notifications confirming the receipt of the information, successful verification, and the successful Ration card-Aadhaar link status. 
 

Why is Ration Card Link with Aadhaar Card Important?

These key points explain why the Ration Card-Aadhaar Card link is essential.

1. Eliminating duplicate Ration Cards: Through the Aadhaar-Ration card link, the government can effectively prevent individuals from obtaining multiple ration cards. This measure helps minimize the number of bogus ration cardholders who wrongfully receive subsidies meant for below-poverty-line households.

2. Deterring ineligible beneficiaries: Ration card-Aadhaar link check helps the government gain the ability to detain those whose income exceeds the rationing level, ensuring that only eligible individuals receive subsidized food grains and fuel. This step helps guarantee that resources are directed to the right people who genuinely require assistance.

3. Ensuring accurate identification and residency: When linked with Aadhaar, a Ration Card is a reliable identification and residency proof. This feature helps streamline the distribution of benefits and prevents fraudulent activities.

4. Curbing fraudulent practices: Connecting Aadhaar to your Ration Card allows for detecting and preventing fraudulent actions. False information and multiple ration cards based on deceitful details can be identified, reducing the likelihood of corruption in the distribution system.

5. Efficient distribution system: Integrating Aadhaar with your Ration Card enables a biometric-enabled distribution system. This technology assists Public Distribution System (PDS) stores in accurately identifying legitimate beneficiaries, ensuring that subsidies and benefits reach the intended recipients. It enhances the efficiency of the overall distribution process.

6.  Addressing ration diversion and leakage: Ration card-Aadhaar link status establishes an audit trail within the Public Distribution System, making detecting and eliminating corrupt middlemen involved in ration diversion and leakage easier. This measure helps in plugging loopholes and ensuring that resources are utilized appropriately.