The central government has introduced ration card new rules that every beneficiary must follow. According to the latest notification, ration card e-KYC will now be mandatory once every five years. If a cardholder does not complete this electronic verification, the ration card will be suspended, and the family will not receive the benefit of free food grains under the PDS.
Why the Government Introduced Ration Card e-KYC
The Centre stated that the rule of mandatory ration card e-KYC has been brought in to make the Public Distribution System more transparent. By updating beneficiary details every five years, the government aims to:
- Stop fake and duplicate ration cards
- Remove ineligible beneficiaries
- Ensure free food grains reach genuine and deserving families
With the Modi government extending the free ration scheme till 2029, these ration card new rules will help maintain accuracy for nearly 80 crore beneficiaries.
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Ration Card New Rules Announced by the Government
1. e-KYC Every Five Years for All Ration Card Holders
Under the updated ration card new rules, all states must complete ration card e-KYC every five years. States have been instructed to finish the current e-KYC drive within three months. Failure to do so will result in the temporary suspension of the card.
2. New Age Limit for Ration Card Eligibility
A major update under the ration card new rules 2025 is the minimum age requirement:
- Only individuals 18 years and above can now apply for a ration card.
- Children below 5 years must have their Aadhaar card linked with the family’s ration card.
After a child turns 5, ration card e-KYC must be completed within one year.
3. When Will a Ration Card Be Suspended?
A ration card can be suspended under the following conditions:
- If the beneficiary does not collect food grains for six months
- If ration card e-KYC is not completed within the deadline
- If a person holds ration cards in two different states—one will be cancelled
Suspension is temporary, and the card can be reactivated after completing the required documentation.
New Ration Card Application System in 2025
The government will now follow a “first come, first served” system for issuing new ration cards. As part of the transparency-driven ration card new rules, states must publish a waiting list online, allowing applicants to check their status easily.