Millions of Indian citizens rely on the National Food Security Act (NFSA) to receive subsidized or free ration every month. But if you hold a ration card, there’s an important warning you need to know — a simple oversight could lead to your card being deactivated or permanently cancelled.
As per government norms, inactive ration cards are subject to cancellation. That means, if you haven’t collected ration from a PDS (Public Distribution System) shop for a long time, your card may be marked inactive and eventually revoked.
You are at risk if:
You haven’t collected ration using your card in several months
You haven’t updated your address or income status
You believe eligibility remains unchanged, but haven’t used your card
These cases raise red flags and the card may be marked for deletion from the system.
To hold a ration card in India, one must:
Be a citizen of India
Fall under the income limits specified by the state
Submit valid ID proof, address proof, and income certificates
You can apply through your state's Food and Supplies Department website. Fill in your details, upload required documents, and track the status online.
If your card is deactivated, you'll have to apply for a fresh ration card. The system does not restore old cards, and you'll need to go through the full documentation process again.
Use your ration card regularly to collect food grains
Keep track of PDS distribution dates
Inform authorities about changes in income, residence, or family size
The ration card is a lifeline for many underprivileged families. Don’t let it lapse due to negligence. Collect your entitlement regularly and stay updated to ensure uninterrupted access to essential government benefits.
