NPHH Ration Card Details

1. The NPHH ration card helps the government differentiate between priority and non-priority beneficiaries. This helps in more effective implementation of welfare schemes aimed at poverty eradication and food security. 

1. The NPHH ration card also assists the government in collecting socio-economic data of households that are not entitled to PDS subsidies. This data is helpful to the government for future planning and policy-making. 

1. Though NPHH ration card holders do not have access to subsidised rations, the card can still serve as a valid identity and address proof for accessing various government and private services.

Features and Benefits of the NPHH Ration Card

The below-listed are some of the features and benefits  

1. Subsidised Rates: With NPHH card, you get access to food items at subsidised rate. This helps you ease the financial burden on your household. 

1. Government Schemes: This card offers access to other government schemes and welfare programs, such as housing aid, educational support, and healthcare services. 

1. Transparency: NPHH cards are digitally managed, which ensures there is no corruption involved and there is transparency in food delivery. It is also easy for the government to monitor food distribution. 

1. Proof of Identity: The NPHH ration card can also be used as proof of identity.

Types of NPHH Ration Cards

  The four types of NPHH ration cards are mentioned below: 

1. Rice Card: This card offers rice at subsidised prices.  

1. No Commodity Card: This card is issued to families who prefer not to purchase subsidised items, either due to higher income or self-sufficiency.  

1. Sugar Card: This card provides sugar at subsidised rates to eligible cardholders.  

1. Other Types: In addition to the above, other NPHH ration cards may be available depending on government policies and the specific needs of different states.

Eligibility Criteria for NPHH Ration Card

The following is the list of eligibility criteria for applying for NPHH ration card:

1. The applicant should not be a registered taxpayer, thereby indicating a lower income level.

1. The household must not fall under the Priority Household (PHH) or Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) categories.

1. The family should reside in a pucca house with at least three rooms and a proper roof and walls.

1. The electricity consumption should be at least 300 units of energy (KWH) per month.

1. At least one family member should be earning either Rs.10,000 or more or Rs.15,000 or more if residing in rural or urban areas, respectively.

The family must own more than two of the following vehicles:

1. Trawler

1. Motorboat

1. Large truck

1. Car

1. Any other motorised vehicle

1. If the family is involved in a government-registered manufacturing business, they are eligible to apply for an NPHH ration card.

Documents Required for NPHH Ration Card

The following is the documents required to apply for NPHH ration card:

1. Aadhar card

1. Residential proof

1. Caste certificate

1. Income certificate

1. Old ration card
2. Passport-sized photograph

User must prove that they do not fall under the priority domestic category through legal undertakings

How to Apply for NPHH Ration Card Online

The steps to apply for the NPHH ration card are listed below:

Step 1: Go to the official website of Tamil Nadu’s Public Distribution System. 

Step 2: On the main page, click on the ‘Apply New Smart Card’ option. 

Step 3: A new page will appear on the screen where you need to enter the requested details. 

Step 4: Enter the family head’s name, address, mobile number, and other details. 

Step 5: Fill in the names of the family members you want to include on the NPHH ration card. 

Step 6: Select the type of ration card you wish to avail. 

Step 7: Upload the family head’s residence proof and photograph. 

Step 8: Provide information about your gas connection. 

Step 9: Check the declaration to confirm that all of the details you have given are correct. 

An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number. Enter this OTP and submit. The NPHH ration card will be issued to you in a month. Alternatively, you can use the application number to download your NPHH ration card from the official website

An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number. Enter this OTP and submit. The NPHH ration card will be issued to you in a month. Alternatively, you can use the application number to download your NPHH ration card from the official website.

How to Apply for NPHH Ration Card Offline?

Here are the steps involved in applying for the NPHH ration card offline: 

Step 1: Visit the nearest Public Distribution System office.  

Step 2: Collect an application form and enter all the requested information.  

Step 3: Enter the required details in the form, such as the name of the head of the family, contact details, etc.  

Step 4: Submit a copy of the Aadhaar card or any other photo identity proof of all family members.  

Step 5: If your Aadhaar card does not have your current address, you need to submit any other proof of address.  

Step 6: Submit your income tax certificate as well as your existing ration card if you have one.  

Step 7: Fill out an undertaking form to make sure that you do not come under any exceptional category listed in the guidelines.  

Step 8: Submit your application form with relevant documents. 

How Can I Renew the Ration Card?

The following are the steps to renew the ration card:

Step 1 - Send an SMS typing ‘RCREN’ to 9212357123 from registered mobile number

Step 2 - A token number and a security code will be received on your registered mobile number

Step 3 - Visit the nearby ration card Seva Kendras, to complete the biometric procedures

Step 4 - Click the “service centre link” link, to locate the nearest service centre

Step 5 - Submission of an Aadhaar-based biometric authentication is required for you and your family members while apply for NPHH ration card renewal.

Step 6 - Biometric authentication is not required for children under five years of age and only Aadhar is required.

Step 7 - After completing the above procedures, the renewal process will be completed

How to Check the NPHH Ration Card Status Online?

The steps to check the online status of NPHH are given below: 

1. Visit the Public Distribution System (PDS) website of your respective state. 

1. Navigate to the "Status of Card Application" section on the homepage. 

1. Provide the application number or registered mobile number as requested. 

1. Click on 'Check Status' to proceed. 

1. Your NPHH ration card application status will appear on the screen.

How To Change NPHH To PHH Ration Card?

If your financial situation has changed and you now qualify for a PHH (Priority Household) ration card. The steps apply are mentioned below: 

1. Check eligibility for PHH Ration Card and ensure that you meet the current income and asset criteria to qualify for a PHH ration card. 

1. Visit your nearest PDS office to request a PHH ration card application form. 

1. Fill out the application form with accurate and up-to-date information about your household. 

1. Provide photocopies of the Aadhaar cards of all family members as identity proof. 

1. Provide the NPHH Surrender Certificate received after cancelling your NPHH ration card. 

1. Submit the completed form along with all necessary documents to initiate the process.

What Are the Differences Between PHH and NPHH Ration Cards?

The difference between the NPHH and PHH ration cards are mentioned in the table below:

In What States is this NPHH Card Scheme Applicable?

The Non-Priority Household (NPHH) ration card scheme, implemented under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), is operational across all states and Union Territories in India. However, the eligibility criteria and intended purposes may differ from one state to another, as each region tailors the scheme to its specific policies and socio-economic context. This approach ensures that the scheme meets local needs while remaining aligned with its broader national objectives.