Not Getting Ration Despite Having Card? File Complaint (2026)

You have a valid ration card but the Fair Price Shop (FPS) dealer refuses to give you your monthly ration. This is a serious issue affecting millions of families in India. Here's how to get your rightful ration and file complaints.

Disclaimer: CitizenNest is an independent platform and is not affiliated with the Department of Food & Public Distribution.

Why You Might Not Be Getting Ration

Step 1: Know Your Entitlement

Under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), you're entitled to:

Your dealer MUST give you the full quantity every month. Giving less than entitled quantity is a criminal offence.

Step 2: Check Your Ration Distribution Record

Before complaining, verify what the system shows:

Check Online:

1. Visit your state's PDS portal (e.g., epds.bihar.gov.in, nfsa.up.gov.in, etc.)
2. Or visit annavitran.nic.in (national portal)
3. Enter your ration card number
4. Check distribution history — it shows:
   • Date of distribution
   • Quantity given
   • Biometric authentication record
   • FPS dealer details

Check via SMS/App:

• Many states have apps: "Mera Ration" app (national)
• Download Mera Ration from Play Store
• Enter ration card number to see distribution history

If records show you "received" ration but you didn't — this is evidence of dealer fraud.

Step 3: Confront the Dealer (Politely)

1. Visit the FPS during prescribed distribution hours
2. Ask the dealer for your ration politely but firmly
3. Ask to see the mPOS transaction record on the machine
4. If dealer says "no stock":
   • Ask when stock will arrive
   • Ask for the stock register — it's a public document
   • Note the date and what was told to you
5. If mPOS machine isn't working:
   • Dealer should still distribute using manual register as backup
   • Note that mPOS was down and demand manual distribution

Step 4: File a Complaint

Method 1: State Food Helpline

Most states have a dedicated PDS complaint number:

Call your state's food & civil supplies helpline — search "[Your State] PDS complaint number"

Method 2: Online Complaint

1. Visit your state food department website
2. Look for "Grievance/Complaint" section
3. Fill in: ration card number, FPS name, complaint details
4. Upload evidence if available (photos, videos)
5. Note the complaint number

Method 3: Mera Ration App

1. Open Mera Ration app
2. Go to "Grievance" section
3. Select complaint type: "Ration not received" or "Dealer fraud"
4. Fill details and submit
5. Track status via the app

Method 4: District Supply Officer (DSO)

1. Find your District Supply Officer contact
2. Visit their office with:
   • Ration card (original + copy)
   • Aadhaar card
   • Details of when ration was denied
3. File a written complaint
4. Get acknowledgment receipt

Method 5: CPGRAMS (Central Government)

1. Visit pgportal.gov.in
2. Register and lodge grievance
3. Select Ministry: Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
4. Describe the issue with ration card number
5. This escalates to the central level

Step 5: If mPOS/Biometric Authentication Fails

Biometric (Aadhaar) authentication failures are a major reason for denied ration:

Immediate Solutions:

1. Try different finger — index finger often works better
2. Clean your fingers and the scanner
3. Try iris scan if the mPOS supports it
4. Ask dealer to try multiple times — sometimes it works on retry
5. Apply hand moisturizer if fingers are very dry

If Authentication Still Fails:

1. Dealer must use OTP-based authentication as an alternative
2. Request OTP on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number
3. If no mobile linked to Aadhaar, visit an enrollment center (see our Aadhaar mobile guide)
4. Exception handling: Some states allow manual distribution when biometric repeatedly fails — ask the DSO

Long-Term Fix:

• Visit Aadhaar enrollment center to update biometrics (fingerprints + iris)
• This is free and helps with all Aadhaar-based services
• See our Aadhaar enrollment center guide

Step 6: Escalate Further

If complaints don't get resolved:

1. Contact District Magistrate/Collector: Write a formal complaint
2. State Food Commission: Every state has one under NFSA — they're mandated to address complaints
3. National Food Commission: For persistent, large-scale issues
4. Media/Social Media: Tag your state CM's social media and food department handles
5. Legal Aid: Under NFSA, denial of food entitlement is actionable — contact District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) for free legal aid

Your Rights Under NFSA

Under the National Food Security Act, 2013:

• You have a legal right to receive food grains every month
• Dealer cannot demand extra money
• Dealer cannot give less than entitled quantity
• If ration is not supplied, you're entitled to food security allowance (monetary compensation)
• State government is bound to ensure delivery
• Any person can file a complaint — not just the card holder

Frequently Asked Questions

What to do if ration shop dealer is not giving ration?

First ask the dealer for a reason, check your distribution records online, then file a complaint via your state's PDS helpline (14445 national), the Mera Ration app, or the District Supply Officer.

Can I get ration from a different shop?

Under the "One Nation One Ration Card" scheme, you can get ration from any FPS in India using your Aadhaar-linked ration card. Try a different shop if your assigned dealer is problematic.

What if biometric fails at ration shop?

Try a different finger, clean the scanner, or request OTP-based authentication. If it still fails, ask the dealer for manual distribution. Update your Aadhaar biometrics at an enrollment center.

Is it illegal for ration dealer to refuse ration?

Yes. Under NFSA, denial of food entitlements is illegal. The dealer faces penalties including licence cancellation, fines, and criminal prosecution.

How to check ration card distribution history?

Visit annavitran.nic.in or your state PDS portal with your ration card number. The Mera Ration app also shows monthly distribution records.

What if someone else took my ration?

If records show ration was distributed but you didn't receive it, this is dealer fraud. File a complaint immediately with the District Supply Officer and state food helpline.

Can I get compensation for not receiving ration?

Yes. Under NFSA Section 8, if eligible food grains are not supplied, the state government must provide food security allowance (monetary compensation) to the entitled person.

How to change assigned ration shop?

Visit your nearest food & civil supplies office or use your state's PDS portal to request FPS transfer. Under One Nation One Ration Card, you can also simply visit any FPS with Aadhaar.