One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) mission gained momentum

New Delhi: Following the recent speech of Budget 2021 related to the implementation of the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme in 32 states / union territories by the Union Finance Minister, the Secretary, Department of Food and Public Distribution, today, through video conferencing / Held a meeting with the Union Territories and reviewed the progress of the scheme.

In the meeting, the secretary of the Department of Food and Public Distribution undertook biometric verification (both interstate and international) of setting up electronic point of sale (EPOS) devices from all states, Aadhaar link of all beneficiaries, PDS transactions and portability transactions. Asked to pursue progress.

The Secretary of the Department of Food and Public Distribution in the meeting said the implementation of the One Nation One Ration Card project ie its implementation at the grassroots level, progress of awareness schemes and communication strategies and 0.25% of GSDP in the States / UTs for this state based specific reform. Reviewed the status of their proposals for additional takeover claims.

Secretary (DFPD) urged all the concerned States / Union Territories to submit necessary proposals for additional acquisition under ONORC by 15 February 2021 to their department.

ONORC is an effort and ambitious scheme of the Department of Food and Public Distribution, Government of India, to initiate nationwide portability of ration cards under the National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA). It aims to empower all migrant beneficiaries to access their NFSA food grains / benefits anywhere in the country. Currently, the system is basically implemented in 32 states / union territories and covers around 69 crore beneficiaries (86% NFSA population) in these states / union territories.