The government has further strengthened the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme, enabling ration card holders to receive subsidised food grains such as wheat and rice from any fair price shop across the country instead of being restricted to a designated outlet.
The initiative is aimed at making the Public Distribution System (PDS) more flexible and accessible, particularly for migrant workers who frequently relocate in search of employment. Under the scheme, beneficiaries can access their ration entitlement from any participating ration shop, regardless of where their card is registered.
Previously, beneficiaries had to depend on a specific fair price shop, often facing issues such as long queues, stock shortages and biometric authentication delays. With the expanded ONORC system, ration card holders can now choose different shops based on convenience and availability of food grains.
The scheme operates through Aadhaar-based biometric authentication, ensuring that benefits reach the rightful beneficiaries while reducing duplication and misuse.
Officials said the move will improve transparency and efficiency in the food distribution system while helping curb leakages and corruption. It also supports the government’s vision of creating a portable, technology-driven welfare delivery network across the country.
The ONORC scheme has emerged as a major benefit for migrant workers, allowing them to access subsidised food grains anywhere in India without transferring their ration cards or updating local records.
Authorities said the initiative marks an important step towards strengthening food security and ensuring that welfare benefits remain accessible, efficient and portable for eligible citizens nationwide.