In Kerala, a Ration Card is an official document that is used not only to obtain food grains and essential commodities at subsidized rates through the Public Distribution System (PDS), but also as an important identity and residence proof. It is essential for various purposes such as government welfare schemes, LPG connections, school and college admissions, income certificates, and more.
Without having to visit government offices, you can apply online for a new ration card from the comfort of your home through the Kerala Civil Supplies Department’s e-Citizen portal. The application process, required documents, eligibility criteria, and other details are explained below.
കേരളത്തിലെ റേഷൻ കാർഡുകളുടെ തരങ്ങൾ
കുടുംബത്തിന്റെ വരുമാനവും സാമ്പത്തിക സ്ഥിതിയും അടിസ്ഥാനമാക്കി നാല് തരത്തിലുള്ള റേഷൻ കാർഡുകളാണ് കേരളത്തിൽ നൽകുന്നത്:
| കാർഡിന്റെ തരം | വിഭാഗം | അർഹതയുള്ളവർ |
| മഞ്ഞ കാർഡ് (Yellow) | എ.എ.വൈ (AAY) | ഏറ്റവും സാമ്പത്തികമായി പിന്നാക്കം നിൽക്കുന്ന കുടുംബങ്ങൾ (പരമാവധി സബ്‌സിഡി) |
| പിങ്ക് കാർഡ് (Pink) | മുൻഗണനാ വിഭാഗം (PHH) | ദാരിദ്ര്യരേഖയ്ക്ക് താഴെയുള്ള (BPL) കുടുംബങ്ങൾ |
| നീല കാർഡ് (Blue) | സബ്‌സിഡിയുള്ള പൊതുവിഭാഗം (NPS) | മുൻഗണനേതര വിഭാഗത്തിൽ സബ്‌സിഡിക്ക് അർഹതയുള്ളവർ |
| വെള്ള കാർഡ് (White) | പൊതുവിഭാഗം (NPNS) | ഉയർന്ന വരുമാനമുള്ള കുടുംബങ്ങൾ (ഭക്ഷ്യധാന്യങ്ങൾക്ക് സബ്‌സിഡിയില്ല)
|
Documents Required for Application
Before applying for a new ration card, keep scanned copies of the following documents ready:
Passport-size photo of the head of the household: A recent photo with a maximum file size of 15 KB. (The eldest woman in the family should be designated as the head of the household. A man can be designated as the head only if there are no women in the family.)
Residence proof / Ownership Certificate: The house Ownership Certificate or a Residential Certificate issued by the Panchayat/Municipality.
Income Certificate: An income certificate issued by the Village Office or the Taluk Office.
Aadhaar Cards: Aadhaar cards of all family members to be included in the ration card are mandatory.
Transfer Certificate / Consent Letter: If any applicant is currently included in another ration card, a certificate confirming the removal of their name from that card or a consent letter from the head of that household is required.
Eligibility Criteria
The applicant must be a permanent resident of Kerala.
Neither the applicant nor any of their family members should currently have another ration card in their name.
The Aadhaar details and income information provided must match the official records.
Steps to Apply Online
**Step 1: Register on the Civil Supplies Portal**
Visit the official website of the Kerala Civil Supplies Department (civilsupplieskerala.gov.in or ecitizen.civilsupplieskerala.gov.in). From the home page, select **Citizen Login** and click on the **Create an Account** option.
**Step 2: Create a User Account**
In the registration form that opens, provide the following details:
– Select **YES** for the question asking whether the application is for a new ration card.
– Choose your Taluk Supply Office (TSO).
– Create a new User ID and password.
– Enter your full name, mobile number, and email ID, complete the CAPTCHA, and click **Submit**.
Step 3: Email Verification and Login
After completing the registration, you will receive a verification link in your email. Click the link to activate your account. Then return to the **Citizen Login** page and log in using your User ID and password.
Step 4: Start a New Application
After logging in, click on E-Services from the dashboard and select New Ration Card. Then click on Owner New Entry to open the application form.
Step 5: Enter the Head of Household and House Details
– Upload the head of household’s photo (less than 15 KB).
– Enter the name and address accurately in both Malayalam and English.
– Provide the Panchayat/Municipality, Ward Number, House Name, and PIN Code.
– Select the ration shop number under your jurisdiction.
– Enter the LPG, electricity, and water connection details, then click **Save as Draft**.
**Step 6: Add Family Members**
On the next page, add the details of each family member to be included in the ration card (name, age, gender, Aadhaar number, relationship with the head of household, etc.) one by one and save them.
**Step 7: Upload Documents and Submit the Application**
Upload the required certificates and supporting documents that you have prepared. Verify that all the information provided is correct, then click the **Final Submit** button. Once the application is successfully submitted, keep the **Application Number** for future reference and tracking.
**Note:** After the application is verified and approved by the Taluk Supply Officer, you can download and print your new **e-Ration Card** directly from the portal.