PM Modi talked about "One Nation One Ration Card": What is it?

In his speech on June 30, PM Modi made a 20-minutes speech. Here is talked about four major things. The Coronavirus pandemic and the precautions we must take; the importance of farmers; free food to poor people; and the "One Nation One Ration Card" thing.

The 'One Nation, One Ration Card' scheme will benefit those poor people who leave their village and go elsewhere for employment or other needs: PM @narendramodi

— MyGovIndia (@mygovindia) June 30, 2020

PM Modi during his speech, said that the government was actively working on the Scheme. The government was working on it so that those living outside their home states get the benefit of the PDS.

What is the One Nation One Ration Card idea?

In May, FM Nirmala Sitharaman said the 'One Nation One Ration Card' system. It will enable migrant workers and their family members to access PDS benefits from any Fair Price Shop in the country. Currently, under respective state ration cards, there are some issues when workers migrate in search of jobs.

Currently, under the National Food Security Act, 2013, about 81 crore persons are entitled to buy subsidized foodgrains. They will get rice at Rs 3/kg, wheat at Rs 2/kg, and coarse grains at Re 1/kg from their designated Fair Price Shops (FPS) of the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS).

But, this is limited to the locality they are assigned to. However, under the ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ system, the beneficiary will be able to buy subsidised foodgrains from any FPS across the country. This new system is based on a technological solution. It will identify a beneficiary through biometric authentication on electronic Point of Sale (ePoS) devices. These are installed at the FPSs, and enable the person to purchase the foodgrains to which she is entitled under the NFSA.

States adopting the scheme

Further, states including Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and Gujarat have implemented this. Although Sitharaman, in May, said that this scheme would be available in March next year. Still, migrant workers can get the free ration that the government has offered.