Kerala, a state in southern India, has recently launched a new initiative called the “Smart Ration Card” to modernize the state’s public distribution system (PDS) and make the process of distributing essential commodities to its citizens more efficient and transparent. This new system is expected to benefit more than 3.5 million families in the state. The Smart Ration Card is a plastic card that contains a microchip that stores information about the beneficiary’s entitlements and other relevant data. The card can be used to purchase essential commodities at subsidized prices from the state-run fair price shops. It is part of the state government’s plan to digitize the PDS system, reduce corruption, and ensure that the benefits reach the intended beneficiaries.
The Smart Ration Card is linked to the Aadhaar card, a unique identification number that is issued to every citizen in India. This ensures that only the intended beneficiaries receive the subsidized commodities, and reduces the possibility of fraud and corruption. The card also eliminates the need for physical documents and reduces the amount of paperwork involved in the distribution of essential commodities. The cardholders can check their entitlements and purchase history through a mobile application. The app also provides information about the nearest fair price shop and the availability of commodities. The cardholders can also report any complaints or issues related to the PDS system through the app.
The Smart Ration Card has already been implemented in several districts of Kerala, and the response from the beneficiaries has been positive. The cardholders have reported that the new system has reduced the waiting time at the fair price shops and has made the process of purchasing essential commodities more convenient. The system has also reduced the instances of fraud and corruption. The Smart Ration Card initiative is part of the Kerala government’s larger plan to digitize various services and make them more accessible to the citizens. The government has also launched several other initiatives such as e-health, e-governance, and digital education, to name a few. The Smart Ration Card initiative in Kerala is a step towards modernizing the PDS system and making it more transparent and efficient. The use of technology has eliminated the need for physical documents and reduced the instances of fraud and corruption. The initiative has already been successful in several districts of Kerala, and it is expected to benefit millions of families in the state in the coming years.
Let’s see how to apply for a Smart Ration Card online in Kerala
- Visit the official website of Civil Supplies Department, Government of Kerala at https://civilsupplieskerala.gov.in/.
- Select “smart ration card”.
- It reload to a new page and choose the ‘Apply Online’ option.
- You will be redirected to the “e-District” portal of the Government of Kerala. Click on the “New User? Register button can create a new account.
- Enter your full information and complete the profile.
- Login this portal after your registration completed.
- Select the “Apply for Service” option and choose the option of “Issue of Ration Card”.
- Fill in the required details, such as your personal information, family details, and residential address.
- Upload the required documents, such as proof of identity, proof of residence, and a passport-sized photograph.
- Submit your application and take a print of awknowledgment slip.
After submitting the application, you can track the status of your application online using the reference number provided in the acknowledgement slip. The new Smart Ration Card will be issued to you after the verification of your application and documents by the concerned authorities.
