Smart ration card is a replacement of the normal ration card, which is normally used to supply food grains and other provisions by the government at a subsidized cost to a specific class of people in the society. Ration cards ensure that financially struggling families in a community receive all the basic provisions for their living. Ration cards also serve as proof of identity and address that is accepted by all other Government departments. With technology and digitisation, the Tamil Nadu government has started issuing Smart Ration Cards. Tamil Nadu Smart Ration Cards are supported with a mobile application that allows the user the know the nearest ration shops and the provisions that are available. Unlike the normal ration cards where the head of the family is given as husband’s name, the head of the family given in the smart ration card will be the wife’s name.
Converting to Smart Ration Card
The Tamil Nadu State Government has launched a new scheme Smart Family Card Scheme by which all ration cards can be converted to smart ration cards. To apply for smart ration card, follow the steps below. Once approved, the cardholders will receive a PIN to the registered mobile number and by showing this PIN, they can collect the smart ration card from their nearest distribution center.
Applying for Smart Ration Cards
The following steps have to be followed to apply for a smart Ration Card.
Step 1: Log on to the website
The applicant has to visit the official website of Tamilnadu Public Distribution System at http://www.tnpds.gov.in and choose the preferred language.
Step 2: Click on Smart Card Application
Next, the applicant has to click on Smart Card Application given under Smart card application services section.
Step 3: Enter the Details
By clicking on that option, the application form opens. The applicant has to enter all the details.
Step 4: Affixing photograph
After entering all the details, the applicant has to affix the photograph of the head member of the family. The format can be in png, gif, jpeg, jpg files under 10 KB size.
Step 5: Uploading Residence Proof
The residence proof can be uploaded in png, gif, jpeg and pdf format. The size of the file should not be more than 100 KB.
Step 6: Click on Submit
After entering all the details and uploading the files in the correct format, Submit option has to be clicked.
Step 7: Receiving Reference Number
Once submitting the form, a reference number will be received the applicant. This number can be used to check the status of the ration card.
Updating Smart Ration Cards
The following steps have to be followed to update a smart ration card.
Step 1: Log on to the website
The applicant has to visit the official website of Tamilnadu Public Distribution System at http://www.tnpds.gov.in and choose the preferred language.
Step 2: Click on Correction of Details
The applicant has to click on Correction of Details that is given under Correct Your Smart Card section.
Step 3: Enter the Registered Mobile Number
The applicant then has to enter the registered mobile number to open the correction form.
Step 4: Entering the OTP
An OPT will be sent to the mobile number and after entering the OTP, the required changes can be made.
Step 5: Affixing photograph
After entering all the details, the applicant has to affix the photograph of the head member of the family. The format can be in png, gif, jpeg, jpg files under 10 KB size. Click on Submit option once it is done.
Step 6: Receiving Reference Number
Once submitting the form, a reference number will be received the applicant. This number can be used to check the status of the ration card.
