A ration card is an official document issued by the government which authorizes the holder to purchase a certain quantity of food and other essential commodities at subsidized prices from government-approved fair price shops. Ration cards are primarily used to ensure that all citizens have access to basic necessities, regardless of their income or social status.
Ration cards have been an integral part of India’s public distribution system (PDS) since its inception in the 1940s. The PDS was established to address food shortages and ensure equitable distribution of essential commodities during times of scarcity. Over the years, the PDS has undergone several reforms and expansions, but ration cards remain a cornerstone of the system.