indian ration card

Ration Card Rule Changes 2025: Elderly Citizens Can Now Get Ration Using Mobile OTP

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indian ration card

In a major policy shift aimed at improving accessibility and transparency, the Government of India has introduced several changes to the rules governing ration cards in 2025. These updates are designed to streamline the system, curb misuse, and make it more inclusive — particularly for senior citizens and those facing difficulties with biometric authentication.

OTP-Based Ration Access for the Elderly

One of the most significant updates is the introduction of OTP-based ration distribution for citizens whose fingerprints fail to authenticate — a common issue among elderly beneficiaries. Now, eligible citizens can receive their monthly food ration simply by verifying an OTP sent to their registered mobile number, ensuring they do not face unnecessary hardship due to biometric issues.

This change marks a crucial step in enhancing digital inclusion and ensuring food security for India’s vulnerable populations.

Mandatory e-KYC for All Ration Card Holders

The government has also made e-KYC (Electronic Know Your Customer) mandatory for all ration card holders — including existing beneficiaries and new applicants. This rule aims to authenticate genuine beneficiaries and minimize fraudulent claims. Citizens must complete e-KYC at their nearest ration distribution center to continue receiving benefits. Failure to do so could result in temporary suspension or cancellation of their ration card.

Who Is No Longer Eligible for Ration Card Benefits?

As part of efforts to ensure that only the needy receive subsidized food, the government has revised the eligibility criteria:

  • Individuals owning four-wheelers are now considered ineligible.

  • Citizens already receiving ration benefits in another state cannot apply for an additional card, ensuring no duplication of benefits.

  • Income taxpayers are also barred from availing of ration card facilities under the public distribution system (PDS).

These rules are intended to reserve subsidized food resources for truly deserving and low-income households.

Rules for Adding New Family Members

Families can now add new members, such as newborns or newly married spouses, to existing ration cards. To do this, applicants must submit relevant documents like birth certificates or marriage certificates. The application must be filed at the local ration distribution center under the updated procedural framework.

Key Eligibility Guidelines for New Applicants

For citizens who do not yet have a ration card, the following conditions must be met to become eligible:

  • The applicant must not be a taxpayer.

  • No four-wheeler should be registered in the applicant’s name.

  • The applicant and all family members must possess valid Aadhaar cards.

  • The applicant must not be benefiting from ration schemes in another state.

Meeting these criteria ensures transparency and equitable distribution of government benefits.

Important Reminder: Keep Your Documents Ready

Authorities advise all ration cardholders to maintain updated and valid documents, such as Aadhaar card, bank passbook, and voter ID. Government notifications or verification drives can be announced at any time, and having these documents ready will help citizens avoid disruption in their entitlements.

Reforming the System for Better Access and Accountability

These new rules reflect the government’s commitment to modernizing welfare schemes while ensuring greater transparency, accountability, and convenience. From curbing fraudulent practices to empowering the elderly through mobile OTPs, the changes aim to make the public distribution system more inclusive and robust.

Author Profile

Kuldeep Singh Chundawat
Kuldeep Singh Chundawat
My name is Kuldeep Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.