One Nation-one Ration Card Scheme implemented on pilot basis

In a major boost to national food security Government of India launched One Nation-One Ration Card scheme on pilot basis in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharastra and Gujarat. The pilot project is effective from 1 August 2019. One Nation One Ration Card’ scheme seeks to allow portability of food security benefits.

One Nation-One Ration Card scheme

Families who have food security cards can buy subsidized rice and wheat from any ration shop in these states but their ration cards should be linked with Aadhar Number to avail this service.

Implementation in Telangana & Andhra Pradesh: White Ration Card holders in Telangana have been getting portability facility which enables them to buy their subsidized rice and other food grains from any Fair Price Shop in state. Now under One Nation One Ration Card scheme which has come into force in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh same facility can be utilized anywhere in two states now through Point of State (PoS) machines.

Early Trial Run: In last week of July Telangana Civil Supplies Corporation conducted a trial run of project last week with consumers from Andhra Pradesh drawing their commodities from fair price shop in Hyderabad (Capital of Telangana). As per officials, 2.82 crore consumers had benefited with ration portability introduced in Telangana in 2018.

Way Ahead: More than 56 lakh beneficiaries covered under National Food Security Act (NFSA) in Telangana will be benefited from facility. Same will be case with consumers in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat which are identified for implementation of pilot project.

Centre is intended to extend programme to all states by August 2020 so that portability of food security card implemented.

Month: Current Affairs - August, 2019