As you may be aware, Indian legal and governmental processes are becoming digital gradually. In Tamil Nadu, the TNPDS (Tamil Nadu Public Distribution System) has introduced the smart ration card which has enhanced the experience of the application and utilization of ration cards. All TNPDS ration cards can be changed to a smart card. We are going to talk about how to apply for a smart ration card, how to check its status and more.
What is a smart ration card
A ration card is a document issued by the Tamil Nadu government. With the help of it, a family with low income can buy food and commodities, such as rice, sugar and kerosene, at a price lower than the market price. These lower-price commodities can be purchased at the Fair Price Shops or the Public Distribution Shops. The ration card will make sure all families in Tamil Nadu can afford food and essential commodities.
A smart ration card is the digital version of a ration card, which makes it easier for card holders to pay. Residents in Tamil Nadu no longer need to carry a physical card when they shop for groceries once they have a smart ration card. There are 4 types of smart ration cards given to the residents of Tamil Nadu and they are used under different conditions. See the list below:
- Light green card: The light green card, also called the rice card, is used for buying rice and related commodities. It is issued to households that live above the poverty line (APL).
- White card: The white card is used for an additional 3 kg of sugar, also called a sugar card. It is issued to households that live below the poverty line (BPL).
- Khaki card: A Khaki card is issued to police personnel of Tamil Nadu only.
- No commodity card: This card is issued to residents who are not eligible to buy goods from the ration shops.
Tamil Nadu ration card eligibility
To obtain a ration card in Tamil Nadu, you need to meet the following requirements:
- You and your family are all Indians and residents of Tamil Nadu.
- The family applying should not live and cook together.
- None of the family members should enroll in a ration card in Tamil Nadu or any other state of India.
- You and your family members must be close relatives.
How to apply for Tamil Nadu Smart Ration Card
Having met the above criteria, you need to have the following documents for the application:
- Passport/Aadhaar card
- Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC)
- Residential proof of the applicant
- Electricity bill (last month)
- Telephone bill (last month)
- Property tax payment receipt of the current year (if you own a house)
- Current tenancy agreement (if you rent a house)
- Caste certificate
- Allotment orders in respect of persons residing at houses allotted by the Slum Clearance Board.
- Income certificate
- Front page of bank passbook
- Passport-size photo
A Tamil Nadu smart ration card can be applied online. Follow these steps:
- Go to the official website of TNPDS
- Change the language to English if you like, then click “Smart Card Application” under “Smart Card Application Services” on the right.
- Now, an application form will appear. Fill in the form with the required information, including details of the family members, addresses.
- Upload a photo of the head member of the family. The file should be in .png, .jpg, .jpeg, or .gif format and its size needs to be within 10 kb.
- Upload the digital proof of residence. The file must be in .jpeg, .jpg, .png or .pdf format. The file should be within 100 kb.
- Once you provide all the documents and information needed, click “Submit” at the bottom.
- A reference number will be sent to you when your application form is submitted. The reference number can be used for the application’s TN ration card status check in the future.
How to check TNPDS smart card status online
After you submit your application for a smart ration card, you don’t get approval right away. The process takes time, but you can check the TNPDS ration card status online. Check out the below steps:
1. Visit the official website of TNPDS http://www.tnpds.gov.in/.
2. On the homepage, you can switch language to English if you like and click “Application Status” under “Smart Card Application Service”.
3. Then, you will come to the “register card status” page where you need to enter your 14-digit reference number which you received when you submitted your application.
4. Put in your reference number and tap “Submit”.
5. Your application status will be shown.
How to correct details in smart ration card
Is it possible to correct details in the smart ration card if there is a mistake? The answer is Yes. You can edit your ration card details online. Follow these steps:
- Go to the TNPDS official website http://www.tnpds.gov.in/.
- Click “Beneficiary” from the top menu.
- Enter your registered mobile number and OTP.isClick “Smart Card Details”, find the detail information you want to change and click “Edit”.
- Make the changes. If a document is required, upload a copy of the document.
- Once you make all the necessary changes, click “Submit”.
- The new details you provide will be sent for approval and you will have a new reference number for smart ration card status check in the future.
How to change family head and photo in ration card
Changing the family head and photo in the TNPDS system requires a mobile number linked to the ration card. If you have provided all the required information when you apply, it shouldn’t be a problem. Also, the photo and relationship status needs to be changed if you change the family head. Follow the below steps to change family head and photo online:
- Visit the TNPDS official website.
- Navigate to “Smart Card Related Service” on the right side and click “Family head member change”.
- Then, the login page will open. You need to enter the 10-digit mobile number you have registered with the system.
- A 7-digit OTP will be sent to your mobile number. Enter the OTP and click “Submit”.
- It will redirect to the card-related service request page which shows information such as the applicant’s name, card number, Fair Price Shop Code, etc.
- Choose “Family Head Member Change”.
- Gather necessary documents based on the reason for the change from the list below: Aadhaar Card, Death Certificate, Divorce Certificate, No Objection Certificate from RI
- On the drop-down menu, select the reason for the change. If your reason is not on the list, choose “others” and put the reason in the text box.
- Upload the requried document. The document should be in .pdf, .png, .gif and .jpeg format. The pdf file size should be no more than 1 MB.
- Click the “Declaration Box”. Go through all the details and make sure they are correct. Tap “Submit”.
- After you submit the change, a reference number will be sent to you. Also, you will receive a notification on your registered mobile number.
How to download the TN ration card
TN ration cards are available for downloading online. Here below is the procedure:
- Go to the TNPDS portal.
- Navigate to the top menu and click “Beneficiary”.
- Put in the registered mobile number and then enter the OTP provided. Click “Submit”.
- Next, you will sign in to your TNPDS profile.
- Click “Smart Card Print” and then choose your preferred language.
- Tap “Save” and you will have a PDF of your TN smart ration card.
Bonus: Get a smart ration card photo online
To apply for the TN smart ration card, you need 1 passport-size photo. You can get the photo at a photo studio, but it is much more convenient and time-saving if you create the biometric photo online. Go to AiPassportPhotos and create your compliant ration card photo for FREE.
Once you have taken a plain background photo by yourself and uploaded it to the website, you don’t have to worry about size and background color. This AI tool will resize photo to passport size and change photo background according to the TN ration card photo requirements. Within 15 seconds, your perfect smart ration ard photo will be generated and you can download the photo and its template for printing.
Conclusion
The TN smart ration card makes the life of citizens in Tamil Nadu more convenient. We have covered almost all aspects of the smart ration card from its application process to making its card photo. In general, relevant procedures can be done online through the TNPDS website. Hope you find the information you need.
Erin Lo