The NPHH ration card, also known as the Non-Priority Household ration card, is classified under the Public Distribution System (PDS). It is issued to those families who do not qualify for the PHH ration card. According to the guidance of ration card services, it is issued in the name of the senior most lady of the family. It is essential to get an NPHH ration card issued if you want access to the benefits it offers. Read more to know about the NPHH ration card details, application process, benefits, and other additional information.
What is the NPHH Ration Card?
The NPHH ration card whose full form is the Non-Priority Household ration card. It was first introduced to take the place of traditional ration cards by the government of Tamil Nadu. It allows people to avail of its benefits like food at subsidised rates, access to various incentives and many more.
According to the guidelines of ration card services, the card is registered to the senior-most female of the family. If the family does not have an elder woman, above 18, then the senior-most male would be viewed as the family’s head.
Types of NPHH Ration Cards in India
There are four types of ration cards in India. Here are the details of these ration cards:
- Rice Card: This card provides rice to the cardholders at subsidised rates, reducing the expense of this essential item for the family.
- No Commodity Card: It is provided to families who choose not to purchase commodities on subsidised rates due to self-sufficiency or higher income.
- Sugar Card: This card provides sugar to the card holders at subsidised rates, which helps to reduce its cost for various families.
- Others: Other than these three major types of NPHH ration cards, more ration cards might exist depending on government initiatives and the regional needs of other states.
These four types of ration cards are there to cater different needs of the households in India. They ensure the adaptability of the NPHH ration card according to the regional requirements of the families.
NPHH Ration Card Benefits
The Non-Priority Ration Card benefits its users by providing access to subsidised items and support to families who do not come under the Priority Household category. It serves as a safety net during times of crisis and supports families who are on the verge of financial instability. It also serves as the proof of identity for the cardholders.
- Essential Goods: It provides direct access to essential goods to the cardholders.
- Subsidised Items: It provides access to items on subsidised rates without any strict criteria.
- Safety Net: It serves as a safety net during economic downturns.
- Support Community: It provides support to families who are on the verge of financial instability, thus contributing to community inclusivity.
- Identity Proof: The NPHH ration card serves as valid identity proof for the cardholders.
The NPH ration card ensures access to resources and supports the families economically. It serves as a tool to provide support to families across India.
Eligibility for NPHH Ration Card
Here are the eligibility criteria you should check before filling out the application of the NPHH ration card:
- The applicant is required to be a non-registered taxpayer, i.e., it should indicate a lower income lever.
- The applicant should not fall under the Priority Household (PPH) or Antyodaya Anna Yojana category.
- The applicant should have a pucca house with a roof and walls with a minimum of 3 rooms.
- One or more members of the family should be earning ₹10,000 in rural areas and ₹15,000 in urban areas.
- A family that owns more than two of the following vehicles:
- Trawler
- Motorboat
- large truck
- Car
- motorised vehicle.
- If the family is in a manufacturing business and registered with the government, it is eligible to request an NPHH ration card.
These eligibility criteria are set to make sure that the NPHH ration card benefits reach the families who need it.
Documents Required for NPHH Ration Card
Here is the list of documents needed while applying for the NPHH ration card:
- Aadhaar Card of all the family members.
- Address proof
- Income proof: Income certificate or salary slip.
- Proof of Non-priority status, such as evidence of owning a pucca house and vehicle.
- Passport-sized photographs of family members.
Before applying keep these documents ready in advance to ensure a smooth application for an NPHH ration card.
How to Apply for NPHH Ration Card Online?
Applying for an NPHH ration card is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to apply online:
- Step 1: Open the official website of Tamil Nadu’s Public Distribution System.
- Step 2: On the homepage of the website, tap on the option “Apply New Smart Card”.
- Step 3: Fill the details of the head of the family, including their address, mobile number and other necessary information that are to be included on your NPHH ration card.
- Step 4: Fill in the family members’ names you want to include on the NPHH card.
- Step 5: You will be able to select the ration card type you want to file for. In this option, select the NPHH ration card.
- Step 6: Upload a digital copy of the address proof and passport-size picture of the applicant.
- Step 7: Upload other documents as well, if required.
- Step 8: Ensure that the information you have entered is all correct by tick-marking the declaration.
- Step 9: An OTP will be sent to the registered mobile number. Enter this OTP to submit the form.
After applying, you can track your application status online. The issuance of the card will take around 30 days. Once issued, you can download it from the website or collect it from the ration card office.
| Also, read: How to Download E-Ration Card Online? |
| Also, read: How to Link Aadhaar with Ration Card |
How to Apply for an NPHH Ration Card Offline?
Applying for an NPHH ration card offline will involve visiting the government office and completing the process manually. Here are the steps you can follow to apply offline:
- Step 1: Locate and go to the nearby Public Distribution System (PDS) office.
- Step 2: Request the application form, then fill in all the required details.
- Step 3: Attach copies of the Aadhaar Card of all the family members and the other required documents.
- Step 4: You will need to attach the address proof separately if the address is different on the Aadhar Card of the family’s head.
- Step 5: Hand over the old ration card if you have one.
- Step 6: Also, file an undertaking to ensure you don’t fall under the category of any other ration card.
- Step 7: Turn in the form with the attached documents.
How to change NPHH to PHH ration card?
You cannot change an NPHH ration card to a PHH ration card directly. If your financial circumstances have changed and now you are eligible for a PHH ration card, then you can apply for the PHH ration card by first surrendering the NPPH ration card. Here is the process of how you can do it.
- Step 1: First, make sure that you fulfil the eligibility criteria of a PHH ration card.
- Step 2: Visit the nearest PDS office and request the application form.
- Step 3: Fill out all the required details carefully.
- Step 4: Submit copies of the Aadhaar Card of all the family members.
- Step 5: Along with other required documents, also submit the Surrender Certificate that you got after surrendering the NPHH ration card.
- Step 6: Submit the form along with the attached documents.
What are all the differences between PHH and NPHH ration cards?
The PHH ration card and NPHH ration card are two different types of ration cards under the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India. Here are the differences between these two ration cards.
| Aspect | PHH Ration Card | NPHH Ration Card |
| Full Form | Priority Household ration card | Non-Priority Household ration card |
| Eligibility | For economically weaker sections with income below the poverty line. | For families above the poverty line with a stable income. |
| Benefits | Receive subsidised food grains and are eligible for most government schemes. | Receive items on subsidised rates and are eligible for some government schemes. |
| Purpose | To support families with lower income by providing affordable essential goods. | Primarily for documentation and some schemes. |
In conclusion, PHH ration cards are issued to provide support to low-income families by giving them essential goods and food grains at affordable rates. Whereas an NPHH ration card is provided to comparatively well-off families who get some items on subsidised rates and access to some government services and schemes.
How to get help for NPHH-related queries?
To solve the queries related to the NPHH ratio card, you can take assistance from these methods:
- Each state of India has a designated helpline number for solving queries related to ration cards. For eg.
- Delhi: 1967 or 1800 – 11 – 0841
- Uttar Pradesh: 1967 or 1800-1800-150
- Visit your nearest Public Distribution System (PDS) office or the Food and Civil Supplies Department office to get assistance.
- You can also check out the official PDS website of your state. Many states offer the option of grievance redressal.
- Some states provide e-mail support in which you can write a mail to solve the queries:
- Delhi: cfood@nic.in
- Gujrat: secfcs@guj.gov.in
Before reaching out through one of these options, make sure that you have the complete information like your application number and your personal identification proof.
In what states is this NPHH card scheme applicable?
Under the framework of the National Food Security Act (NFSA), the Non-Priority Household ration card scheme is applicable in all the states and Union Territories in India. The scheme is implemented across the nation, but the eligibility criteria and the purpose of its use differ from state to state. Each state has modified the provisions of the NPHH ration card according to their local policies and socio-economic conditions. This ensures that the unique needs of the population are met. This provides flexibility to the government of each state to define the benefits and purpose of the NPHH ration card according to regional requirements while maintaining the overall objective of the scheme.
How to check the NPHH ration card status online?
Here are the steps to check the status of the NPHH ration card online:
- Step 1: Open the Public Distribution System (PDS) website of your state.
- Step 2: Look for the “Status of Card Application” option on the portal.
- Step 3: Enter the application number or registered mobile number as required.
- Step 4: Click on the “Check Status” button.
- Step 5: Your application status will be displayed on the screen.
Also, read: How to Check Ration Card Application Status Online
The NPHH ration card plays an important role in the Public Distribution System (PDS) considering the households that do not qualify under the PHH ration card and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY). It primarily serves as the identification document but also ensures household, access to government schemes and some items on subsidised rates. The application process for the NPHH ration card is straightforward both online and offline and you can also check the application status through the portal. It also provides the resources to solve the grievances related to the NPH ration cards through its website ensuring a great support system.
Also, read:
- Types of Ration Cards in India
- What is the (Antyodaya Anna Yojana) AAY Ration Card?
- What is an APL Ration Card?
