One Nation One Ration Card Scheme

In 2019, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution launched a test programme called One Nation One Ration Card Scheme in four states. On January 1, 2020, 12 new states were added. One Nation, One Ration Card will be implemented in 25 states and union territories by August 2020. By March 2021, it will be available in all Indian states and union territories. The scheme's goal is to provide hassle-free delivery of subsidised food grains to all migrant recipients anywhere in the country using the National Food Security Act's nationwide mobility (NFSA.)

The plan is one of the most significant government programmes for NFSA-eligible individuals. For UPSC exam preparation, learn about the significance of one nation, one ration card.

It's a nationwide ration card that allows migratory workers and their families to get PDS benefits from any fair price retailer in the country.

The ONORC has the following characteristics:

• Existing ration cards will be combined into a single card for the entire country.
• Each recipient enrolled under the NFSA will receive a universal ration card.

• A beneficiary who migrates from one location to another can use the ONORC to purchase subsidised food grains from a fair price shop in the destination city, regardless of the beneficiaries' origin.

• Biometric authentication on electronic Point of Sale (ePoS) devices will be used to identify the recipients. Each fair price business will have these devices installed.
• The national portability will work using the:
  • Integrated Management of Public Distribution System (IM-PDS) portal – It will provide the technological platform for the ration cards portability.
  • Annavitran portal – It will host the data of the food grains distribution through ePoS devices within a state. This will help a beneficiary to access subsidized food grains within a state (inter-district.)

• Aadhar Cards will be seeded with ration cards which will help beneficiaries get the ration using the same ration card.

Objectives of One Nation One Ration Card Scheme

In simple words, the ONORC will bring the following changes:

1. Reforms to the public distribution system are being implemented.
2. Each recipient has access to food grains.
3. By March 2021, all Indian states and union territories would be included in the plan.

Challenges regarding the Implementation of the One Nation One Ration Card

• Exclusion Error: Once the PDS processes have been digitised through smart cards and Aadhar linking then leakages could be reduced, but there have been exclusion errors post Aadhar linking as of late.
• Lack of Data: There is a shortage of data on the population moving to other cities to work. As such it becomes a difficult task in identifying the beneficiaries as they move to different locations.
• Domicile-Based Social Sector Schemes: Most welfare systems and food security measures, like the PDS, were based on historic domicile-based access and limited welfare and rights to their areas of origin, thereby preventing non-native populations from obtaining such benefits.

Salient Features of One Nation One Ration Card Scheme

1. It is being deployed as part of PDS's Integrated Management (IMPDS.)
2. The ONORC programme provides coverage to 65 million people.
3. The programme has covered 80 percent of the beneficiaries who have enrolled with the NFSA.
4. The plan has been implemented in 25 states and UTs.
5. When all states and UTs are included in the programme, it is expected that 81 crore people would profit from it.
6. A hotline number will be established by the government to assist recipients.

Benefits of the ONORC

The major benefit of the One Nation One Ration Card is as follows:

1. Those who are able to use the ONORC will be able to get discounted food grain from any Fair Price Shop in the nation, which will be extremely beneficial to migrants living in various regions of the nation.
2. All beneficiaries in one state can enjoy the same fair rations in other states where the ration card was issued, thanks to the ONORC.
3. In the event of foul play, a beneficiary can quickly switch to a different FPS.
4. Because social identification would be a key element in receiving PDS, the system will assist women and other underprivileged parts of society.
5. Given its ranking of 102 out of 17 on the Global Hunger Index, the ONORC will contribute to realising the goal of eradicating hunger by 2030.

11 States To Be Covered under ONORC Scheme by March 2021

1. Arunachal Pradesh
2. Assam
3. Chattisgarh
4. NCT Delhi
5. Ladakh
6. Lakshadweep
7. Meghalaya
8. West Bengal
9. Andaman and Nicobar
10. Chandigarh
11. Puducherry