New Delhi, Nov 12: Access to subsidised foodgrains is no longer restricted by geographical boundaries for millions of ration cardholders in India. Through the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) initiative, the Government of India is transforming the Public Distribution System (PDS), allowing eligible beneficiaries to collect their foodgrain entitlements from any Fair Price Shop (FPS) across the country, irrespective of where their ration cards were originally issued.
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Launched in 2019 by the Department of Food and Public Distribution, ONORC has emerged as a major reform under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS). The initiative is particularly significant for migrant workers and their families, who often face difficulties accessing subsidised foodgrains after moving to another state or city for employment.
By introducing nationwide ration portability, the scheme enables beneficiaries covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) to access their entitled foodgrains without applying for a new ration card whenever they relocate. The reform has made food security more flexible, inclusive and responsive to the needs of a mobile population.
Nationwide portability records significant progress
The ONORC initiative has now been implemented across all 36 States and Union Territories, covering 100 per cent of PMGKAY beneficiaries.
According to the latest figures released by the Department of Food and Public Distribution, the system facilitates approximately 3.27 crore portability transactions every month. Since its inception, it has recorded more than 233 crore inter-state and intra-state portability transactions, through which over 614 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of foodgrains have been distributed.
These figures highlight the growing importance of portability in ensuring uninterrupted access to subsidised foodgrains, particularly for people who frequently move between states in search of livelihood opportunities.
Digital infrastructure strengthens transparency and accountability
Alongside portability, the government has undertaken extensive technology-driven reforms to improve the transparency, efficiency and accountability of the PDS.
As of October 2026, ration card and beneficiary databases have been fully digitised across all States and Union Territories, covering approximately 78.65 crore beneficiaries. These databases are accessible through state and UT transparency portals.
Of the 20.51 crore ration cards available in the Central System, around 20.27 crore, or 98.8 per cent, have been seeded with Aadhaar. The number of beneficiaries with Aadhaar seeding stands at 76.97 crore.
The e-KYC process has also made substantial progress. As of September 30, 2026, e-KYC had been completed for 71.52 crore beneficiaries, representing approximately 91 per cent of the total beneficiary base.
These measures are intended to improve beneficiary identification, strengthen targeting and support more efficient delivery of foodgrain entitlements.
Technology-enabled ration distribution reaches the last mile
The government has also strengthened the operational infrastructure of Fair Price Shops through electronic Point of Sale (e-PoS) devices.
Out of approximately 5.51 lakh Fair Price Shops across the country, 5.50 lakh, or 99.8 per cent, are now equipped with operational e-PoS devices. This has helped digitise transactions and improve monitoring of foodgrain distribution.
Online foodgrain allocation has been implemented nationwide, while supply chain operations have been computerised in 31 States and Union Territories.
Transparency portals, online grievance redressal mechanisms and toll-free helplines are also operational across all States and UTs, providing beneficiaries with channels to raise complaints and seek assistance.
Data analytics to improve beneficiary targeting
Another important component of PDS modernisation is the use of Aadhaar-linked databases and data analytics to identify duplicate, suspicious and ineligible records.
Under the Rightful Targeting initiative, the first version flagged 5.95 crore suspicious records, leading to the deletion of 2.58 crore duplicate or ineligible entries. The subsequent Version 3.63 also identified records for verification and reported the deletion of 68 lakh entries.
These exercises are aimed at improving the accuracy of beneficiary databases and ensuring that subsidised foodgrains reach eligible households.
SARTHAK-PDS and SMART-PDS to modernise the delivery system
The government is further strengthening the food distribution ecosystem through the SARTHAK-PDS umbrella scheme, which supports intra-state foodgrain transportation, handling costs and Fair Price Shop dealer margins.
The framework also promotes a unified, interoperable and citizen-centric digital architecture to improve coordination across the PDS supply chain.
Two important initiatives under this framework are NIRMAL and SAKSHAM. NIRMAL focuses on strengthening data architecture and analytics, while SAKSHAM supports real-time data integration, including the use of Vehicle Location Tracking Systems to improve monitoring of foodgrain movement from procurement to distribution.
The Scheme for Modernisation and Reforms through Technology in Public Distribution System (SMART-PDS) is another major initiative under SARTHAK-PDS. It seeks to digitally integrate ration cards, foodgrain distribution, supply chain management and grievance redressal while addressing technological gaps at the state and UT levels.
The SARTHAK-PDS framework is intended to strengthen last-mile delivery, reduce leakages and improve the overall efficiency of food security operations, with the scheme extending until March 31, 2031.
Mera Ration App brings ration services to mobile phones
To make the portability system more accessible, the Department of Food and Public Distribution has introduced the Mera Ration mobile application.
Available in 13 languages, the application provides beneficiaries with convenient access to essential ration-related information and services, particularly benefiting migrant workers and families living away from their home states.
Through the app, users can:
Check their monthly foodgrain entitlements.
View previous ration transaction details.
Verify Aadhaar-seeding status.
Check eligibility for national portability.
Register voluntarily for ONORC.
Locate nearby Fair Price Shops using GPS.
Navigate to the nearest ration shop through an integrated map.
The application helps beneficiaries identify nearby ration outlets and access relevant information without depending entirely on local administrative offices.
Towards a more inclusive food security system
The transformation of India’s Public Distribution System through ONORC reflects a broader shift towards technology-enabled and beneficiary-oriented welfare delivery.
From nationwide portability and digitised ration databases to e-PoS-enabled shops, Aadhaar-based authentication, data analytics and mobile applications, the reforms are aimed at making subsidised foodgrain distribution more transparent and accessible.
For migrant workers and vulnerable households, the significance of ONORC lies in ensuring that relocation does not interrupt access to essential food entitlements.
As the system continues to evolve through digital integration and administrative reforms, its central objective remains clear: food security should be determined by eligibility, not by geographical location.