How to Change the Name on a Ration Card

The ration card is an important document that all Indian citizens are eligible for, as per the National Food Security Act, 2013. This Act defines the ration card as a document that enables the user to purchase essential commodities from government shops. The document is an integral part of the public distribution system that offers citizens items at fair prices. Additionally, the ration card also serves as proof of identity in India. Therefore, the document must contain accurate and updated details regarding individuals. Many people are unaware of how to change the name in a ration card. In this article, we will take a look at the various ways in which you can update your ration card and how to change the name in the ration card online.

  1. What details does the ration card contain?

  2. How to apply for name correction in ration card 

  3. What are the different types of ration cards?

  4. How to add a name on the ration card

  5. How can you apply for a new Ration card online?

  6. What are the reasons for name change in ration cards?

What details does the ration card contain?

Since the ration card acts as both a proof of residence and identity to citizens, it contains the following details.

  1. Name of the Head of the family
  2. Head of the family’s father’s or husband’s name
  3. Date of birth
  4. Address of residence
  5. Photograph of the family head
  6. Names of all family members
  7. QR code for scanning (in most States)
  8. Unique smart card number 

How to apply for name correction in ration card

  1. First and foremost, users have to download the application form for Ration card correction from your State’s official Ration card portal.
  2. Duly fill the form, and submit it at your nearest ration card office.
  3. Along with the form, you will have to submit copies of your supporting documents.
  4. Also, you will have to carry your original documents with you for verification.
  5. Users will also have to take their original ration card with them to the office.

After verification, you will receive the new card with the updates made within two or three working days. The new card will be sent to the residential address mentioned in the correction form.

How can you apply for a new Ration card online?

  1. First and foremost, you will have to go to your State’s official Ration Card portal. For instance, you can use this link to access New Delhi’s NFS portal.
  2. From the homepage, choose the Apply for a new Ration Card option.
  3. When it comes to the page for selecting a category, opt for the Aadhaar card of Head of the House option.
  4. You should then fill out the form and provide all the required information.
  5. Submit the form along with the required documents and verification to complete the process.

You can also complete the application process offline by visiting a ration card office. You may download an application form online and take it to the centre filled, or request for one from there. Along with the application form, you will have to attach the required documents and submit the same at the Ration card office.

What are the different types of ration cards?

  • Priority household card – Issued to households that meet the State’s eligibility criteria, and will receive five kilograms of food grains per member.
  • Antyodaya card – Issued to the ‘Poorest of the poor’ households, and will receive 35 kilograms of food grains every month.
  • Above Poverty line card – Issued to homes that are above the poverty line.
  • Below Poverty line card – Issued to households who are before the poverty line.

How to add a name on the ration card

To add a name to your ration card, you will have to get a Consumer Addition application form from a Circle Office. Along with the form, you will also need the following documents;

  1. Passport size photographs of the Head of the family, which have been attested by any an MLA, MP, Gazetted Officer or Municipal Councillor
  2. Proof of residence
  3. Surrender or Deletion Certificate regarding your existing or previous ration card, if required

In case you do not have a valid proof of residence, the Circle FSO will conduct inquiries in your neighbourhood. He or she will go around the area and record the statements of any two independent witnesses regarding your residence. After submission of the application and the required supporting documents, the new card will arrive in around 15 days.

Son or Daughter:

  1. You may visit a nearby e-Seva Kendra and ask them to include the name of your son or daughter.
  2. You will have to fill an Inclusion form and attach a copy of the child’s Birth Certificate for verification.
  3. Submit the application and the documents at the ration office, along with the ID proof of the parents and your original Ration card.
  4. Once the verification process is complete, your child’s name will be added to your ration card.
  5. The updated ration card will be dispatched to your residential address within two or three weeks.

Wife or Husband:

  1. When adding your spouse’s name to the ration card, you will need to take a copy of their ID proof, Birth certificate, and marriage certificate.
  2. Also, in case you are a part of your parent’s ration card, you should delete your name there, before adding your name to another card.
  3. You may attach a copy of your duly filled Deletion form along with your documents and Inclusion form, and submit at the nearest ration office.

What are the reasons for the name change in the ration card?

Here’s a quick look at the various reasons which lead to a name change in the ration card.

  1. Marriage or Divorce
  2. Numerology or Astrology Reasons
  3. Re-marriage of a widow or divorcee
  4. Change of religion
  5. Change in the gender of the applicant
  6. Spelling Errors in the name
  7. Adoption of a Child
  8. Dissatisfaction with the present name
  9. Wrong Name in official Records

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