The Indian government aims to create a strong digital economy in the country. That is why it has chosen digital routes for governmental and legal processes. So, the Tamil Nadu government has thought of digitizing the ration cards. It has led to the introduction of the TNPDS Smart Ration Card. Tamil Nadu Public Distribution system is a portal where you can apply for a new card or modify the existing one. With the card, you can buy rations in the Indian state.
Table of Contents
Types of TNPDS Ration Cards
The TNPDS offers four types of digital ration cards for residents of Tamil Nadu:
- Light Green Cards: These cards are issued for rice and other commodities from Fair Price Shops (FPS). They also include Antyodaya Anna Yojana cardholders.
- White Cards: White cards are issued for an additional 3 kg of sugar over the prescribed quota.
- No Commodity Cards: This type of card is issued to people who are not entitled to draw any commodity from ration shops.
- Khaki Cards: Khaki cards are specifically issued to police personnel up to the rank of inspectors.
Smart Ration Card in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu currently has more than 580000 ration cardholders. However, these cardholders once appealed to the state government to convert family cards (for sugar) into rice-option cards. That is why the government planned to grant the request for conversion.
To get the desired cards, cardholders in TN have to download and obtain the application form from the TNPDS portal. The applicants have to attach documents with their existing ration cards’ photocopies. The government also asked the residents to convert the ration cards.
Smart Ration Card Providing Advantages for Consumers
The TNPDS smart ration card is beneficial in different ways Smart Card Application Services:
- The traditional, physical cards have been replaced with chip-enabled smart ration cards. So, you do not need to carry bulky documents to conduct the verification process.
- Digital records of every transaction ensure accurate allocation of subsidized food grains. It has reduced the risk of fraudulence.
- The direct benefit transfer system allows subsidies to reach the bank accounts of eligible beneficiaries. You do not need to depend on intermediaries.
- The digital ration card can be used as an identity card. As a cardholder, you will enjoy additional benefits.
- Ensuring the authenticity of the resident’s information
- Avoiding paper and printing costs during conversion
How to check your Smart Card Application Status
Checking your smart card application status online Using the TNPDS Online Portal
- Visit the TNPDS official website to check the smart card application status at WWW.TNPDS.GOV.IN. If you need any changes you need to correct your smart card.
- Click on the “Smart Card Application Status” option on the homepage.
- Enter your reference number, which was sent to your registered mobile number during the registration process.
- Click on the “Submit” button.
- The application status will be displayed on your screen.
So, visit the portal and navigate to the Smart Card option. You will also find a link on the homepage.
Users who already have an account created
If you already have created an account, log in to the dashboard with your credentials. As a new user, you have to register. You have to provide the basic details for the registration process. After logging in to the application, you need to enter the information to check online status & details for smart ration cards in TN.
Click on the Check Status button and let the interface show the status:
- Active status means you can use the card.
- Inactive means your smart ration card is temporarily inactive. You may also reactivate it with a few steps.
- The pending status signifies that your request or application is under review.
The Tamil Nadu Ration Card List status can also be checked from https://tncsc.tn.gov.in/.
Steps for TNPDS Ration card download
The TN government has issued smart ration cards that are available on the TNPDS website. Access the Public Distribution System’s website and select the Beneficiary tab on the dashboard. Input your mobile number in the given field, and you will receive an OTP. The portal will provide an option for smart card print and lets you choose the preferred language. Click on the Save option to store the PDF format of a smart ration card.
TNPDS smart card application in the Offline mode
Some residents in TN do not like to choose the online process for smart card applications. So, they have to visit the local ration shop to collect the application form. They may also download the form online. Fill out this form and attach the relevant documents. The particular department will receive the form and provide a reference number. Make sure you have secured the number for future use.
Updating your TNPDS cards
The portal provides multiple Public Distribution System Services and Smart Card Related Services. If you already have a TNPDS card, you may update information from the online portal.
- Visit the official website: http://www.tndps.gov.in to update the details.
- Click on the correction form and choose the option- correction details. During this process, you need to undergo an OTP verification process using your registered mobile number.
If the current details are incorrect, you have to edit them. The portal may ask you to upload a scanned copy of your document.
Click on submit and the updated details will be approved within a short time. You will receive a reference number to track your application for correction.
So, it is easy to correct your smart card with a few clicks.
What are the eligibility criteria for applying for a TNPDS Ration card?
Before applying for the smart ration card, you should ensure your eligibility-
- Indian citizenship- Applicants and their family
- The family and the applicant should live and cook separately.
- Residence in Tamil Nadu
- No family card in other Indian states
You must fulfill these criteria to claim the card.
Important Documents Required for TNPDS Smart Ration Card Application
When applying for a TNPDS Smart Ration Card, you need to provide several important documents. These documents include:
- Aadhaar Card: To verify your identity.
- PAN Card: To verify your income and financial status.
- Recent Size Photography Pass: A recent passport-sized photograph.
- Bank Passbook: To link your bank account for subsidy transfers.
- Caste/Category Certificate: To determine your eligibility for specific benefits.
- Income Certificate: To determine your income bracket.
- Electricity Bill: To establish proof of residence.
Ensure that you have these documents ready before starting the application process to avoid any delays.
How to Apply for a TNPDS Smart Ration Card
To apply for a TNPDS Smart Ration Card, residents of Tamil Nadu have multiple options available. The application process can be completed through the TNPDS online portal, the Point of Sale (PoS) system, or the PDS mobile app.
Applying through the TNPDS Online Portal
- Visit the official website of the TNPDS department (www.tnpds.gov.in).
- Click on the “Smart Card Application” option on the homepage.
- Register yourself on the portal by providing the required details.
- Fill out the application form with all the necessary information.
- Attach the required documents, such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, recent size photography pass, bank passbook, caste/category certificate, income certificate, and electricity bill.
- Add details of family members, gas connections, and make the necessary declarations.
- Click on the “Submit” button to complete the application process.
- A reference number will be generated, which you should keep safe for future use.
Applying through The Point of Sale
- Visit your nearest ration shop.
- Collect the application form from the shop or collect it online by TNPDS Ration card download.
- Fill out the application form with all the necessary details.
- Attach the required documents.
- Submit the form to the concerned department at the ration shop.
Registration through the PDS Mobile App
- Download the TNPDS mobile app from the official website.
- Install the app on your Android or iOS device.
- Register yourself on the app by providing the required details.
- Fill out the application form on the app with all the necessary information.
- Attach the required documents as instructed.
- Submit the application through the app.
TN Smart Ration Card SMS Service
The TNPDS also provides an SMS service to check the availability of items at ration shops, complain about billing issues, and know the status of ration shops. To access these services, send the following codes to 9773904050 / 9980904040 from your registered mobile number:
- PDS 101: Availability of Commodity at Ration Shop
- PDS 102: Status of Ration Shop (Open / Close)
- PDS 107: Complaints about Billing
Once you have applied for a TNPDS Smart Ration Card, you can check the status of your application through the TNPDS online portal or the SMS service.
SMS Service for Application Status
To check the status of your smart ration card application via SMS, send the following code to 9773904050 / 9980904040 from your registered mobile number:
- PDS 102: Application Status
TNPDS Family Cards
In Tamil Nadu, families can choose the type of family card based on their needs and preferences. There are no income-based ration cards in the state. The types of family cards available are:
| W. No. | Card type | LICENSED MATERIALS |
| 1 | Priority Family Card | All items |
| 2 | Priority Family Card Anthyothaya Anna Yojana | All ingredients including 35 kg of rice |
| 3 | Non-Priority Family Card (Rice Card) | All items |
| 4 | Non-Priority Family Card (Sugar Card) | All other items except rice |
| 5 | Card without items | No items |
How to locate a Fair Price Shop
To search for the nearest FPS, you have to visit the TNPDS website ([www.tnpds.gov.in). Navigate to the Find Your Nearest option on the homepage. It will display a map that helps you find the local FPS. Choose the right option and enter details like village, taluk, and district. You can then click on the Search button. Find the list of nearby FPS and their contact numbers.
Guide to submitting your complaints
If you want to raise a complaint, use the online TNPDS portal. The dashboard will show an option- Register a complaint. Enter the details like name and email. Hit the Submit option and file your complaint online directly.
Conclusion
A ration card is issued based on the number of family members. The introduction of smart ration cards has provided advantages for most consumers. Now, it is easy to use the official portal for TNPDS smart card status check online. The brief guide will answer your queries about the ration card application.
FAQ
What are the different categories of TNPDS cards?
Digital ration cards in Tamil Nadu are of various types. Light Green cards issued by Fair Price Shops are for rice and other essentials. Citizens with white cards get an extra 3 Kg of sugar. Eligible police officers also apply for khaki cards.
What documents do I need to submit to apply for TNPDS ration cards?
You should show copies of Aadhar and PAN cards as identity proof. Other documents needed for application are electricity bill, bank passbook, and income certificate. Some applicants also need to show their caste certificate.
Is there any mobile app for TNPDS cardholders?
Yes. You will find the app in the Google Play Store. So, only Android users can access the app to deal with their TNPDS cards. The app lets you avail of different Smart Card-Related Services.
What details of family cards can I update online?
If you own a family card in Tamil Nadu, you can update the address, service level, and family head’s name. You may also include or delete any name from the family card.
What will I do if I have unintentionally lost my TNPDS smart ration card?
In case you have a damaged or lost card, you must send a report to the local PDS office. You may also claim a duplicate card using the TNPDS official website.
How should I link my TNPDS smart ration card to my Aaadhar number?
You have to access the online dashboard and provide the Aadhaar details and card number. If you are not comfortable with the online mode, visit can a local ration shop.
What is the NPHH ration card?
If you are ineligible for the PHH ration card, apply for the NPHH. This card provides access to essential commodities, such as sugar and kerosene.
How long does getting the smart ration card in Tamil Nadu take?
It takes almost 2 months to get the ration card. It will reach the nearest PDS shop, and you will receive a notification on your mobile number. You can then collect it from the local centres.
What is the number of TNPDS smart cards?
To resolve your queries about smart ration cards, dial the toll-free helpline number 1800 425 5901. You may also email your query to [email protected]. You can directly contact the office to raise your complaints.
What are the Fair Price Shops?
FPS is a ration shop that has a stock of sugar, food grains, and other essentials for cooking. It sells the items to consumers at a very low price. Ration cardholders can buy a particular amount of commodities from the shop.
good