How to link Aadhaar with Ration card: Detailed online and offline process

Linking your Aadhaar with your ration card is essential to ensure that subsidies reach the rightful beneficiaries and to prevent fraudulent activities. Many states offer the option to link Aadhaar with a ration card both online and offline. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to complete this process through both methods.

Online Process to Link Aadhaar with Ration Card

Many states have made it possible to link Aadhaar with a ration card online. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

Go to the official Public Distribution System (PDS) portal of your state.

Step 2: Enter Your Ration Card Number

Input your ration card number in the designated field.

Step 3: Provide Your Aadhaar Number

Enter your Aadhaar number for each family member listed on the ration card.

Step 4: Enter Your Registered Mobile Number

Provide the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar for verification purposes.

Step 5: Submit Your Details

Click on the "Continue" or "Submit" button to proceed.

Step 6: Verify Through OTP

An OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to your registered mobile number. Enter this OTP to verify your request.

Upon successful verification, your request to link Aadhaar with your ration card will be submitted, and you will receive a confirmation message via SMS.

Note: Currently, there is no centralised portal for linking Aadhaar with ration cards, so each state has its own website for this process.

Offline Process to Link Aadhaar with Ration Card

If you prefer the offline method, follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit the Nearest PDS Centre

Go to the nearest Public Distribution System (PDS) centre, ration shop, or local ration office.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

To link your Aadhaar with your ration card, you will need:

• Photocopy of your ration card and the original for verification
• Aadhaar copies of all family members
• Photocopy of the Aadhaar of the head of the family
• Passport-sized photograph of the head of the family
• Bank passbook copy (if the bank account is not linked with Aadhaar)

Step 3: Submit Documents

Submit these documents to the representative at the PDS centre or ration shop. The representative may ask for fingerprint authentication for initial verification.

After submitting the documents, you will receive an SMS notification on your registered mobile number. Another SMS will confirm once the documents are successfully linked.

About Ration Card

A ration card is an essential document in India, providing access to subsidised food grains and fuel. Introduced over five decades ago, it remains significant in offering food security and serving as proof of identity. Ration cards come in three types:

• Antyodaya (AAY): For the poorest families
• Below Poverty Line (BPL): For families below the poverty line
• Above Poverty Line (APL): For families above the poverty line

Benefits of Linking Aadhaar with Ration Card

Linking Aadhaar with a ration card offers several benefits:

• Reduction of Fraud: Helps eliminate fake ration cards and ensures subsidies reach the intended beneficiaries.
• Single Ration Card: Prevents families from holding multiple ration cards.
• Genuine Beneficiaries: Ensures only eligible people receive benefits, reducing fraud.
• Streamlined Distribution: Enhances the efficiency of the Public Distribution System (PDS) by identifying genuine beneficiaries through biometric verification.
• Control Leakage: Prevents diversion and leakage of PDS ration.
• Audit Trail: Creates an audit trail to identify and eliminate corrupt practices.

Linking your Aadhaar with your ration card is a straightforward process that can be done online or offline. This crucial step ensures transparency and efficiency in the distribution of subsidies and helps eliminate fraudulent practices. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily complete the process and contribute to a more transparent and efficient public distribution system.