National Food Security Scheme (Priority Households - White Ration Card) supports economically at risk families in Uttarakhand by giving a regular supply of subsidized food grains. Eligible households get 5 kg of food grains per person every month, which helps make sure no family in the state has to go without basic ration.
This scheme runs under the National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA) and is looked after by the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Government of Uttarakhand. Families holding a Priority Household (PHH) white ration card can take the benefit, and the state has now made applying for it much easier with an online portal.
National Food Security Scheme (Priority Households - White Ration Card) - Introduction
National Food Security Scheme (Priority Households - White Ration Card) gives eligible Uttarakhand families a steady monthly supply of food grains at affordable prices. Under the scheme, each eligible person in the household receives 5 kg of food grains every month. This support is provided through the Public Distribution System (PDS) network of fair price shops spread across the state.
The scheme covers both Priority Households (PHH) and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families under the National Food Security Act, 2013. For PHH families, the card is issued as a white ration card, which is different from the yellow ration card used under the State Food Scheme. Since 1 January 2023, the food grains under this scheme are given to eligible families free of cost, as part of the centrally funded free ration programme.
In recent times, the state food and civil supplies department has upgraded its systems. Families can now apply for a new white ration card, add or remove members, and make corrections online through the Unified Ration Card Management System (URCMS) portal, without visiting the district office every time.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | National Food Security Scheme (Priority Households - White Ration Card) |
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | Uttarakhand |
| Category | Social welfare and Empowerment |
| Target Beneficiaries | Individual, Family |
| Sub Category | Food Security / Public Distribution System |
| Benefit Type | In Kind |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Department | Department of Food and Civil Supplies |
| Tags | Ration Card, Food Distribution, White Card, Priority Household |
Benefits
Each eligible person receives 5 kg of food grains per month under this scheme. The original structure gave 2 kg of wheat at ₹2.00 per kg and 3 kg of rice at ₹3.00 per kg per person. However, since 1 January 2023, these food grains are provided to eligible families completely free of cost under the NFSA free ration programme.
Apart from food grains, the ration card also works as an important document for many other government schemes in Uttarakhand. Holding a valid white ration card often helps when applying for other welfare schemes, because it shows the family's priority status.
Eligibility
Families need to meet a few basic conditions to get the white ration card under this scheme. The main criteria are given below.
- Residency: The applicant must be a resident of Uttarakhand.
- Income and card status: The household monthly income should be less than ₹15,000, and the family should not already hold an Antyodaya (AAY) ration card.
- Priority category: Tribal residents in border areas, widows, single women, persons living with a disability, persons suffering from an incurable disease, and senior citizens aged 60 or above who manage a household are covered under eligible priority categories.
- Land holding: Families owning less than 2 hectares of irrigated land or less than 4 hectares of unirrigated land can also qualify.
- Other groups: People working in labor-intensive roles such as rickshaw pulling, rag picking, cobbling, domestic service or sanitation, as well as those living in slums, huts or social ashrams, are eligible as per the stated rules.
Application Process
The state now offers both online and offline ways to apply for a white ration card. Here are the steps to follow to get the benefit of this scheme.
STEP 1 - For the online option, open the Unified Ration Card Management System (URCMS) portal at uk.smartpds.nic.in and register yourself. For the offline option, collect the application form from the office of the Gram Panchayat Development Officer or the District Supply Officer.
STEP 2 - Gather the required documents, including the Aadhaar card of family members, recent photographs, income certificate showing monthly income below ₹15,000, bank account details, voter ID or PAN card, and a declaration confirming that the family does not hold an Antyodaya card.
STEP 3 - Fill in the form with correct details and submit it, either online through the URCMS portal or in person to the Gram Panchayat Development Officer. The office verifies the details and sends the case to the Food Supply Department.
STEP 4 - Once the eligibility is confirmed and a vacancy is available within the district population target, the card is issued. A new ration card can be collected from the office of the District Supply Officer or Regional Food Officer within 10 days of approval.
Documents
Applicants should keep the following documents ready while applying for the white ration card.
- Aadhaar card of the family members
- Recent photograph of the applicant
- Valid phone number
- Bank account details
- Gas connection records
- Voter ID or PAN card
- Income certificate showing monthly income under ₹15,000
- Recent electricity bill
- Relevant eligibility certificates
- Declaration stating that the family does not hold an Antyodaya card
References
Uttarakhand Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Official Website
Uttarakhand URCMS Online Ration Card Portal
NFSA National Ration Card Application Portal
FAQ's
What benefits are provided under this scheme?
Every eligible person receives 5 kg of food grains per month. Since 1 January 2023, these grains are provided free of cost to eligible families.
Who is eligible to apply for a White Ration Card?
Any household or person meeting the specified income, land ownership, occupation or social vulnerability criteria in Uttarakhand is eligible.
What is the income eligibility limit?
The household must have a monthly income of less than ₹15,000, and the family must not currently hold an Antyodaya Ration Card.
Are tribal households included?
Yes, tribal households living in designated tribal or border areas with a monthly income under ₹15,000 are eligible.
Can I apply online for a white ration card?
Yes, the state has launched the URCMS portal at uk.smartpds.nic.in where families can apply for a new card, add or remove members, and make corrections online.
When will my card be issued?
New cards are issued based on vacancies and district-level population targets. The card can be collected from the district food supply office within 10 days of the approval process.