Ceiling Limit Expiry: A Major Concern for Ration Card Holders

• 17 Sep 2024

Why in News?

Recently, in a significant development, the ceiling limit for ration card holders in Chittorgarh has expired, causing concern among beneficiaries who rely on subsidised food grains and other essentials.

Key Points

• Impact on Entitlements: The expiration of the ceiling limit means that the amount of ration or the type of commodities ration card holders are entitled to may change. This could lead to a reduction in the quantity of subsidized goods available to families.
• Renewal and Updates: Ration card holders may now be required to renew their cards or update their information to continue receiving benefits. This process could involve submitting new documentation or verifying existing details.
• Policy Changes: The government may introduce new policies or guidelines affecting how ration cards are managed and distributed. These changes could aim to streamline the process or address issues of misuse and fraud.

Rajasthan Ration Card, 2024

• A ration card is a government document that allows cardholders to obtain food items such as wheat, rice, sugar, and kerosene at very low prices from government ration shops each month.
  • The government issues ration cards to provide affordable ration to poor families in the state. Any middle or lower-income family in the state can apply for a ration card.
• Types of Ration Cards in Rajasthan: Based on the income and economic condition of poor families, the government issues three types of ration cards.
  • BPL Ration Card: The BPL (Below Poverty Line) ration card is issued to families living below the poverty line with an annual income of less than ₹10,000. With this card, poor families receive 25 kilograms of subsidised ration each month.
  • APL Ration Card: The APL (Above Poverty Line) ration card is provided to families living above the poverty line with an annual income of more than ₹10,000. These families receive 15 kilograms of grain each month.
  • AAY Ration Card: The AAY (Antyodaya Anna Yojana) ration card is issued to the extremely poor families with no income sources. Families with this card can obtain up to 35 kilograms of grain each month from government ration shops.