Thiruvananthapuram: The procedure for applying for new ration card has been simplified. The applicants need not submit residential or ownership certificates anymore. Instead, Aadhaar or voter IDs are enough for proof of identity, according to an order by civil supplies commissioner Mini Antony, considering hassles to get these certificates.
Apart from the self-attested copy of the Aadhaar or voter's identity card, they can also use the gas voucher, water authority bill, landline bill, photo affixed passbook of nationalised banks and valid rent deal for identification.
If they did not have their names in any ration cards, they could submit Aadhaar in place of recommendation from elected representatives. However, for the priority card category, they should also produce income certificates. Others need to self-attest their income.
The applicants should also submit an affidavit on their status. All India Ration Dealers Association general secretary Babychan Mukkadan said Aadhaar details collected as part of implementing the National Food Security Act 2013, would help prevent duplication.
The civil supplies department had recently launched a comprehensive ration card management system for all related services online - http://www.civilsupplieskerala.gov.in
They range from applying for a new card, changing address, adding or deleting a member, and transferring from one taluk to another.
