- The Orange Ration Card is a type of ration card issued in some states of India, such as Maharashtra, for families belonging to the middle-income group.
- It acts as proof of identity, residence, and income category while also enabling households to avail subsidized food and other essentials under the Public Distribution System (PDS).
Who is Eligible for an Orange Ration Card?
- The eligibility criteria may vary slightly from state to state, but generally:
- The annual family income should be between ₹15,000 and ₹1,00,000.
- The family should not fall under the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category.
- The applicant must be a resident of the respective state.
Features of the Orange Ration Card
- Color: Orange in color for easy identification.
- Category: Middle-income group households.
- Issued by: The State’s Department of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Protection.
Benefits of the Orange Ration Card
- Access to food grains, sugar, kerosene, and other essentials at subsidized rates through fair price shops (ration shops).
- Useful for availing certain government welfare schemes.
- Serves as valid proof of identity and residence.
Documents Required
When applying for an Orange Ration Card, the following documents are typically required:
- Aadhaar Card of all family members
- Income Certificate
- Residential Proof (Electricity bill, Rent agreement, etc.)
- Passport-size photographs
- Previous ration card (if applicable)
How to Apply for an Orange Ration Card
- Step 1: Visit your state’s official ration card website or the nearest rationing office.
- Step 2: Fill in the Orange Ration Card application form with accurate details.
- Step 3: Attach the required documents along with the application.
- Step 4: Submit the application online or offline as per your state’s process.
- Step 5: After verification by the authorities, the ration card will be issued.
States Where Orange Ration Card is Issued
- Primarily issued in Maharashtra, but similar middle-income ration cards may exist under different names in other states.
The Orange Ration Card is an important document for middle-income families to access subsidized food supplies and certain government benefits. If your annual income falls within the prescribed limit, applying for it can help reduce your household expenses and provide official proof of your income category.