If someone's ration card is stolen or lost, it can cause significant problems for the family, but there's no need to panic.

The ration card is a very important document in India. It's not only used to obtain cheap or free rations, but also to benefit from various government schemes and serves as an identity card. Under the Antyodaya Yojana, poor and needy families are provided with grains at reduced prices from government ration shops. Therefore, if someone's ration card is stolen or lost, it can cause significant problems for the family. But there's no need to panic. The government has now simplified the process of obtaining a duplicate ration card. You can apply offline at an office, or you can apply online from home. So, let's learn how to get a duplicate ration card.

Process for Making a Duplicate Ration Card Offline

If you want to get a duplicate ration card offline, i.e., by visiting an office, first file a lost or stolen FIR (FIR) at your nearest police station. Keep a copy of the FIR, as it will be needed when applying for a new ration card. After filing the FIR, go to the Food and Supply Department office in your district. Obtain an application form for a duplicate ration card and complete it with the correct information.

Along with the form, you will need to submit a copy of the FIR, an identity card (Aadhaar card, Voter ID, etc.), a proof of residence, and a passport-size photo. Pay the applicable fee along with the application and submit the form to the office. After a few days of processing, your duplicate ration card will be ready. You can collect it from the relevant office or your government ration shop.

Process for Making a Duplicate Ration Card Online

1. Nowadays, most states have also started online services. If you want to apply from home, visit the official website of your state's Food and Supplies Department.

2. Click on the Duplicate Ration Card option on the website.

3. Enter all the required information correctly in the online form.

4. Upload scanned copies of the required documents, such as your identity card and a copy of the FIR.

5. After filling in all the information, submit the form.

6. After submitting your application, you can check your application status on the same website. Your duplicate ration card will be ready in a few days.