The government-run food security program, The Public Distribution System (PDS), is designed to provide essential commodities at subsidised rates. To implement this program, the state government has set up a system of Fair Price Shops (FPS) in every city. The Public Distribution System (PDS) was introduced to ensure food security for economically disadvantaged sections of society. An APL ration card serves as a crucial document for families classified as Above Poverty Line (APL), enabling them to access the benefits provided under the PDS program. In this blog, we will discuss the advantages of the APL ration card, who is eligible to apply, the application process, and other essential details you need to know.
What is an APL Ration Card?
An APL ration card is a document issued by the government to families that are classified as above the poverty line. The full form of the APL ration card is the “Above Poverty Line” ration card. This Ration Card provides access to these families to get essential items like rice, wheat, sugar, etc., on subsidised rates from Fair Price Shop under the PDS program. The subsidised rates provided to APL ration cardholders are less than those provided to BPL ration cardholders, but it ensures food security and accessibility to families with moderate income.
Eligibility for APL Ration Card
The eligibility requirements for an APL ration card may differ across states. However, the common criteria include the following:
- The annual income of the family must be steady, which places them above the poverty line.
- The applicants must be Indian citizens and permanent residents of the state they are applying for.
- The family must not possess any other ration card (BPL Ration Card, Antyodaya Ration Card or Annapurna Ration Card).
These criteria are set to ensure that the APL ration card is issued only to eligible families. So, you must check your eligibility before applying.
APL Ration Card Benefits
APL ration card offers multiple benefits to its holder. These accesses are:
- It provides access to purchase essential commodities like rice, wheat, and sugar from Fair Price Shops.
- APL ration card acts as a valid identification document and address proof issued by the government.
- It enables you to buy LPG cylinders at subsidised prices under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY).
- An APL ration card can serve as proof of eligibility for accessing several welfare programs and benefits, including free education and healthcare.
- Additionally, it can be utilized to take advantage of various other government schemes.
While the benefits offered by the APL ration card are limited as compared to other ration cards like the BPL ration card, it ensures that the middle-class family has food security.
Documents Required for APL Ration Card
Here are the general main documents required to apply for an Above Poverty Line ration card:
- Identity Proof: Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, or any other government-issued identity proof.
- Address Proof: Voter ID, Aadhaar Card, Passport, or any other government-issued document with your address.
- Family Details: Birth Certificate of the family members to prove them as part of the family.
- Income Proof: Salary certificate, income tax return, bank statement or any other document that shows the proof of your income.
- A recent photograph in passport size.
Through these documents, the government verifies your details and residency in the particular state before issuing the APL ration card.
| Also, read: How to Download E-Ration Card Online? |
| Also, read: How to Link Aadhaar with Ration Card |
How to Apply for an APL Ration Card?
You can follow these steps to apply for an APL ration card:
1. Obtain the Application Form
You can visit the nearest Food and Civil Supply Department’s office and ask for the physical application form, or you can download it from their official website. Or Check out State-wise Ration Card Portals.
2. Complete Filling the Application Form
Carefully and accurately fill out the application form with all the necessary details. This includes the name of the head of the family, the names of all family members, their ages, and their relationship to the head member of the family. You will also need to provide your residential address and details regarding the family’s income source
3. Submit the Form
Submit the completed form and all the other needed documents to the Food and Civil Supply office near you.
4. Verification
After you have submitted the form, it will be verified by the government authorities. An inspection might be conducted to verify that the details you have submitted are correct. An inspector might visit your residence to cross-check the information in your locality and access the financial status of your family.
5. APL ration card Issued
When the verification is complete, the ration card will be issued. This process usually takes 10-15 days.
By following these simple steps, you will be able to get your Ration Card APL.
Is there any online application process for APL Ration Card?
Yes, to simplify the application process, some states offer an online application facility for APL ration cards. You can visit the official website of the Food and Civil Supplies Department of your state. Register yourself using your mobile number and fill out the application form for the APL ration card. Carefully fill in all the details and also upload the documents required such as identity proof, income proof, etc. After submitting the form, you will receive an application number, through which you can track your application status. Once the verification is completed, your Ration Card will be issued and ready to be collected from the nearest Food and Civil Supplies Department office.
Also, read: How to Check Ration Card Application Status Online
How long does it take to get an APL Ration Card?
It usually takes 15 to 30 days to get an APL ration card issued. The time taken depends on the state and the verification process, which includes verification of the documents and also home visit in some cases to confirm the eligibility of the family. Delays can also occur in the process if you have not provided the correct information in the form or if the information does not match. You will be notified when your Ration Card will get issued and is ready to be collected.
Can I transfer my APL ration card to another state?
Yes, you can transfer your APL ration card from one state to another. Here is the process that you can follow to transfer:
- Surrender the Current Card: You will first have to surrender the current APL ration card.
- Apply in the new state: Submit your application for a new APL ration card in the new state along with the surrender certificate.
- Verification: The new states will verify your documents and details and will issue a new APL ration card.
If you want to transfer your APL ration card, then you will have to follow these steps in both states.
In conclusion, the APL ration card is an important document issued by the government to families with a moderate income. It serves various benefits that include access to commodities at subsidised rates, can be used as a valid identification document, and is eligible for availing various welfare schemes by the government. Overall, the APL ration card is an essential document to improve the quality of life for eligible families with a mediocre income.
Also, read:
- Types of Ration Cards in India
- What is the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) Ration Card?
- What is a White Ration Card?
