In India, state governments offer ration cards to households that qualify for the National Food Security Act's subsidised food grain purchases through the Public Distribution System. For many Indians, they also function as a typical form of identification.
Before the National Food Security Act came into being, there were three types of Ration Cards- APL (Above Poverty Line), BPL(Below Poverty line) and AAY(Antyodaya Anna Yojana).
After the National Food Security Act, a ration card can be classified as Antyodaya Anna Yojana, Priority Household and Non-Priority Household.
To apply for a Ration Card every family/individual must submit a set of documents– Passport size photographs, Address proof, Identity proof, Age proof, Income proof, Certificate attested by pradhan or ward councilor, Rent agreement in the case of tenants.
The following persons/families are entitled to a Ration Card in India: People with over 40% disability, Transgender individuals, Households recognised under primitive tribal groups, Households without a shelter, Households which have a widow pension receiver, Households that have severely impoverished members who live on donations.