One Nation One Ration Card: How to Use Your Ration Card Anywhere in India

The One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme allows ration card holders to buy subsidised foodgrains from any Fair Price Shop (FPS) across India. If you are a migrant worker or have moved to a different state, you no longer need to apply for a new ration card — your existing card works anywhere.

What is the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) Scheme?

Launched by the Department of Food & Public Distribution, Government of India, the ONORC scheme enables portability of ration cards across all 36 states and Union Territories. Under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013, beneficiaries can collect their entitled foodgrains from any ePoS-enabled Fair Price Shop in the country.

The scheme uses Aadhaar-based biometric authentication at electronic Point of Sale (ePoS) machines installed at FPS outlets.

Who Can Use ONORC?

• Any household holding a valid ration card under NFSA (AAY or PHH category)
• All family members whose Aadhaar is seeded (linked) with the ration card
• Migrant workers, students, or anyone temporarily or permanently relocating to another state

Note: Your Aadhaar number must be linked to your ration card for portability to work. See our Ration Card eKYC guide for Aadhaar linking steps.

How Does ONORC Work?

1. Your ration card details are stored in a central database (Integrated Management of PDS — IMPDS)
2. When you visit any ePoS-enabled FPS, your identity is verified through Aadhaar biometric or OTP authentication
3. The ePoS machine checks your entitlement from the central server in real time
4. You receive your foodgrains, and the transaction is recorded centrally
5. Your home state quota is adjusted automatically — no duplication

How to Use Your Ration Card in Another State

Step 1: Ensure Aadhaar is Linked to Your Ration Card

• Visit your state's PDS portal or the nearest FPS/CSC to link Aadhaar
• All family members who want to draw rations must have their Aadhaar linked
• Check linking status on the IMPDS portal at impds.nic.in

Step 2: Find an ePoS-Enabled Fair Price Shop

• Use the Mera Ration mobile app (available on Google Play Store) to locate the nearest FPS
• You can also ask at any local FPS if they have an ePoS machine

Step 3: Visit the FPS with Your Aadhaar

• Carry your Aadhaar card (or remember your Aadhaar number)
• You do NOT need to carry your physical ration card

Step 4: Authenticate at the ePoS Machine

• Place your finger on the biometric scanner attached to the ePoS device
• Alternatively, use Aadhaar OTP if biometric fails (OTP sent to Aadhaar-linked mobile)

Step 5: Collect Your Rations

• After successful verification, collect your entitled foodgrains (rice, wheat, sugar, etc.)
• Collect a printed receipt from the FPS dealer

Aadhaar Linking for Ration Card Portability

Aadhaar seeding is mandatory for ONORC. Here's how to link:

For detailed steps, see our Ration Card eKYC guide.

What is an ePoS Machine?

An electronic Point of Sale (ePoS) machine is a biometric device installed at Fair Price Shops. It:

• Verifies your identity using Aadhaar fingerprint or iris scan
• Connects to the central PDS server to check entitlement
• Records every transaction digitally to prevent fraud
• Prints a receipt for the beneficiary

As of 2025, over 5.4 lakh FPS across India are equipped with ePoS machines.

Entitlements Under NFSA

Mera Ration Mobile App

The Mera Ration app by the Department of Food & Public Distribution helps you:

• Find nearby FPS shops in any state
• Check your monthly entitlement and transaction history
• View your ration card details and Aadhaar seeding status
• Register complaints about FPS service
• Available in 13 languages

Download from Google Play Store by searching "Mera Ration".

Important Tips

1. Link Aadhaar before travelling — Without Aadhaar seeding, portability will not work at FPS in other states
2. Keep your mobile number updated in Aadhaar for OTP-based authentication as a backup
3. Split family feature — Some family members can draw rations in the home state while others draw in the destination state
4. No extra cost — You pay the same subsidised rates anywhere in India
5. Check transaction history on the Mera Ration app to ensure no one else has drawn your quota

Common Problems and Solutions

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. The ONORC scheme covers all 36 states and Union Territories. You can draw your entitled foodgrains from any ePoS-enabled FPS across India using Aadhaar authentication.

Do I need to surrender my ration card when moving to another state?

No. Under ONORC, you do not need to surrender your existing ration card or apply for a new one. Your same ration card works nationwide.

What if some family members stay in the home state?

Family members can split their ration collection. Those in the home state can draw their share from the home FPS, while migrated members can draw their share from any FPS in the destination state.

Is Aadhaar mandatory for One Nation One Ration Card?

Yes. Aadhaar seeding (linking) with the ration card is mandatory for the portability feature to work. Biometric or OTP verification is done at the ePoS machine.

What if the FPS dealer says portability is not available?

All ePoS-enabled FPS must support ONORC. If a dealer refuses, call the national PDS helpline 1967 or file a complaint via the Mera Ration app. You can also complain to the local food inspector. See our Ration Card Complaint guide for details.

Can I use ONORC to get rations during festivals or special distributions?

ONORC applies to your regular NFSA entitlements. Special state-level distributions (like festival bonuses) may only be available in your home state as per state policy.

How do I check if my Aadhaar is linked to my ration card?

Visit the IMPDS portal at impds.nic.in or check on the Mera Ration app under your ration card details.

This guide is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with the Government of India. Visit nfsa.gov.in for official information. Details may vary by state — verify with your state food department.