Thrissur: As per the Government’s project to smart ration cards, the new updated smart ration card is set to take the form of an ATM card. The Government had earlier announced to design it in the size of a postcard, but as per the recommendation of the Director of the Civil Supplies department, the government decided to go design the new ration card as per the size of an ATM card.
How Will the New Ration Card Look?
As mentioned above, the new ration card will take the shape of an ATM card, with the individual’s name, picture and primary details mounted on the card.
The card, plastic or Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in material, will have a unique QR code and barcode embedded on it.
The Government has clarified that individuals carrying the traditional, booklet form of ration cards, can convert their official government documents into the new card format, if they like.
However, the Government has also recommended individuals holding the older ration cards to only switch to the newer version and apply for it, if they feel fit, as the validity of the existing ration cards will continue regardless of older or newer version of the government document.
How to Apply for a Smart Ration Card?
An individual holding the booklet version of ration card can apply for the newer, smart card version by submitting an application indicating change, at either the Akshaya centres or the citizen login.
The software has been updated to accept applications for the same, states a source.
The charge for applying for a new smart ration card, against the existing older one is Rs 65, including the printing charges, and no additional charge will be remitted to the government apart from this sum.
“The Government had initiated steps to establish its own godowns in each taluk to phase out the use of the existing rented facilities. The State exchequer incurred an expense of ?50 crore a year for paying rent. Efforts were also being made to establish permanent buildings for taluk supply offices that functioned from rented buildings”, states Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister G.R. Anil, who presented the idea for the ATM card-shaped ration card.
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