Patna: Residents in Bihar can now apply for ration cards from the comfort of their homes, as the state has launched a new online application facility to ease the process and reduce crowding at government offices. The initiative is expected to benefit the elderly and women, who often faced challenges in accessing such services.
Applicants can visit rconline.bihar.gov.in to begin the process by signing up as a new user under ‘Meri Pehchan’. Registration is completed through OTP verification, after which the application form can be filled in with family details and uploaded documents.
Required documents include Aadhar card, bank passbook, residence certificate, family photograph (JPG or JPEG format), applicant’s signature photo, and, if applicable, self-attested photocopies of disability, income, or caste certificates. After submission, a reference number is sent via SMS to track the application status.
Under the ‘One Nation One Ration Card’ scheme, holders can receive food grains from any ration shop within Bihar or other states. So far, over 89 lakh ration card holders from Bihar have benefited from this portability.
Currently, families covered under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana receive 35 kg of food grains monthly, including 7 kg wheat and 28 kg rice, while each priority household beneficiary receives 5 kg food grains – 1 kg wheat and 4 kg rice – free of cost. Essential items such as pulses, salt, and oil are also provided under the scheme.
As per the National Food Security Act, 2013, against the target of covering 85.12 percent of the rural population and 74.53 percent of the urban population – a total of 8.71 crore people – Bihar is currently providing free food grains to 8.35 crore beneficiaries every month through 51,185 public distribution system shops.
Officials stated that the new online facility will save people’s time and resources while ensuring greater transparency in the ration card issuance process. The Food and Consumer Protection Department has urged all eligible citizens to use this digital service.
