One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) — Portable Ration Card Scheme

If you are a migrant worker or someone who moves between states for work, you no longer need to worry about losing your ration benefits. Under the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme, you can use your existing ration card to buy subsidised food grains from any Fair Price Shop (FPS) across India.

This guide explains everything about the ONORC scheme — how it works, who is eligible, how to use it, and the Mera Ration app.

What is One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC)?

One Nation One Ration Card is a government reform under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 that allows ration card holders to purchase their entitled food grains from any electronic Point of Sale (ePoS) enabled Fair Price Shop in the country. It was launched in August 2019 by the Department of Food and Public Distribution, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.

Before ONORC, your ration card was valid only at a specific FPS in your home state. If you moved to another state for work, you could not access PDS benefits there. ONORC removes this restriction by linking your ration card with your Aadhaar card and enabling biometric authentication at any ePoS-enabled FPS.

Key highlights of ONORC:

• National portability — buy ration from any state in India
• Aadhaar-linked — biometric verification ensures no fraud
• No new card needed — your existing ration card works
• Intra-state portability — works within your state too (different district FPS)
• Family splitting — some members can draw ration in one state, others in another

How Does ONORC Work?

The ONORC scheme works through a technology backbone called the Integrated Management of Public Distribution System (IM-PDS) portal. Here is how it functions:

1. Aadhaar seeding — Your ration card must be linked (seeded) with Aadhaar numbers of all family members
2. ePoS machines — Fair Price Shops across India are equipped with electronic Point of Sale devices
3. Biometric authentication — When you visit any ePoS-enabled FPS, you verify your identity using fingerprint or iris scan
4. Real-time verification — The system checks your entitlement from the central database in real time
5. Grain distribution — You receive your entitled quota of food grains (rice, wheat, etc.) at subsidised rates

The system automatically adjusts your remaining quota. If you buy 3 kg of wheat in State A, the remaining quota is available at your home FPS or any other FPS in State B.

Who is Eligible for ONORC?

You are eligible if you meet all of the following conditions:

• You hold a valid ration card under the National Food Security Act (NFSA)
• This includes both Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Priority Household (PHH) cards
• Your ration card is linked with Aadhaar for all family members
• The FPS you visit must have a working ePoS machine

Who benefits the most?

• Migrant workers who move to other states for daily wage work
• Labourers working in construction, factories, and agriculture in different states
• Students studying in another state
• Families where some members live in a different state for employment

Note: If your Aadhaar is not linked with your ration card, you cannot use the portability feature. Learn how to link Aadhaar with your ration card below.

How to Use ONORC — Step by Step

Step 1: Check if Your Ration Card is Aadhaar-Linked

Visit annavitran.nic.in or nfsa.gov.in and check if your ration card shows Aadhaar seeding status as complete for all members.

Step 2: Download the Mera Ration App (Optional but Helpful)

Download the Mera Ration app from Google Play Store. It helps you:

• Find the nearest FPS in any state
• Check your entitlement and remaining quota
• View recent transactions
• Get details in 13 languages

Step 3: Visit Any ePoS-Enabled Fair Price Shop

Go to any FPS that has an ePoS machine. You can find one using the Mera Ration app or by asking locally.

Step 4: Authenticate with Aadhaar Biometrics

Place your fingerprint or scan your iris on the ePoS machine. The system will verify your identity and check your entitlement in real time.

Step 5: Collect Your Food Grains

Once verified, the FPS dealer will give you your entitled ration (wheat, rice, sugar, etc.) at subsidised prices under NFSA.

How to Link Aadhaar with Ration Card

If your Aadhaar is not yet linked with your ration card:

1. Visit your nearest FPS or District Supply Office
2. Submit your ration card number and Aadhaar number for all family members
3. You may also do this online through your state's PDS portal (varies by state)
4. Linking is free of cost — do not pay anyone for this service

States and UTs Covered Under ONORC

As of 2025, all 36 states and Union Territories of India are covered under the ONORC scheme. This includes:

• All 28 states
• All 8 Union Territories (including Delhi, Chandigarh, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, etc.)

The scheme has been fully operational nationwide since 2024. Over 80 crore beneficiaries under NFSA can use this facility.

Mera Ration Mobile App

The Mera Ration app is the official mobile application for ONORC beneficiaries. It is developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC).

Features of Mera Ration App:

How to Download:

• Android: Download from Google Play Store
• iOS: Not available currently. Use the IM-PDS website instead.

Important Tips

• Always carry your Aadhaar when visiting an FPS in another state. Some shops may ask for it along with biometric verification.
• Check your balance on the Mera Ration app before visiting an FPS to know your remaining entitlement.
• Keep fingerprints clean and dry — wet or dirty fingers may cause biometric authentication failure.
• Do not pay extra — the subsidised rate is fixed by the government. Under NFSA, rice is ₹3/kg, wheat is ₹2/kg, and coarse grains are ₹1/kg under PMGKAY/current rates. Always check current prices.
• Report issues — if an FPS dealer refuses to give you ration or demands extra money, complain on the state food helpline or through the Mera Ration app.
• Lock your Aadhaar biometrics when not in use to prevent misuse. See our guide on Aadhaar biometric lock and unlock.

Related Guides

• How to Apply for Aadhaar Card Online
• Aadhaar Biometric Lock & Unlock
• How to Change Address in Aadhaar Card

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use my ration card in any state under ONORC?

Yes. If your ration card is linked with Aadhaar and the FPS has an ePoS machine, you can buy your entitled food grains from any state or UT in India.

2. Do I need to get a new ration card for ONORC?

No. Your existing ration card works. You just need to ensure it is linked with Aadhaar for all family members.

3. Can different family members buy ration from different states?

Yes. ONORC supports family splitting — some members can collect ration in one state while others collect their share in another state.

4. What if the ePoS machine is not working at the FPS?

If the ePoS machine is down, the FPS cannot process portable transactions. You can try another nearby FPS or visit later. Report the issue through the Mera Ration app or state helpline.

5. Is there any charge for using ONORC?

No. The ONORC facility is completely free. You only pay the subsidised price for food grains as per NFSA rates. Do not pay any extra amount to anyone.

6. What food grains can I get under ONORC?

You can get the same food grains as per your NFSA entitlement — typically wheat, rice, sugar, and coarse grains at subsidised prices. The exact items may vary slightly by state.

7. How do I check my remaining ration quota?

Use the Mera Ration app or visit impds.nic.in to check your entitlement balance and recent transactions.