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NHPP Ration Card: Features, Eligibility, & Application Process

Pragya Pathak

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Updated: 28-01-2025 at 7:43 AM

Food is one of the most basic rights and everyone must consume nutritious food at nominal prices. The government of India understands how significant it is to ensure that every citizen has access to quality and nutrient-rich food irrespective of their socio-economic status. However, upgrades are required in almost everything in today’s date. To ensure the same, the Indian government introduced Ration cards, which are an identity measure that lets people purchase food grains and other commodities through the Public Distribution System (PDS) at subsidised prices.

There are different types of ration cards, and one of those types is the Non-Priority Household (NPHH) ration card launched by the state govt of Tamil Nadu as an upgraded version of the old ration cards.

Read the article to learn about the meaning, eligibility, procedure, and other relevant things of the NPHH Ration card.

Overview: NPHH Ration Card

Name of the card	NPHH Ration card
Full form	Non-Priority Household Ration card
Launched by	State govt of Tamil Nadu
Objective	An upgraded version of the old ration cards that can only be used by the eldest member of a family
Benefits	Digitised function, can only be used by the eldest member of a family, to access quality food grains, etc.
Application mode	Online/Offline

What Are NPHH Ration Cards?

The state govt of Tamil Nadu launched Non-Priority Household (NPHH) ration cards to replace the old traditional ration cards. NPHH ration cards are equipped with digitised functions for people’s convenience. People can carry out a range of functions with the help of NPHH ration cards ranging from applying and renewing the card online to purchasing quality food at subsidised prices. The NPHH ration card can only be managed by the eldest family member.

Objectives

Non-Priority Household (NPHH) ration cards have several objectives that outline the goals of the ration card. Some of its major objectives are listed below In brief:

Alternative: NPHH ration cards are issued to those families who don’t fulfil the criteria for priority households.
Food security: The NPHH ration cards are issued to people based on their annual income and serve the role of food security.
Other govt schemes: With the help of Non-Priority Household ration cards, beneficiaries can apply for other govt schemes as well.

Benefits

The Non-Priority Household (NPHH) ration cards launched by the state govt of Tamil Nadu come with many benefits for the people. Some of its key benefits are mentioned below In brief:

Online application process: Eligible individuals don’t need to visit any govt office to apply or renew the card which makes it very accessible and convenient.
Subsidised rates: Beneficiaries can purchase food and other commodities at subsidised rates with the help of their NPHH ration cards.
Security: NPHH ration cards provide people with security that no matter what might be happening in their lives financially, they’ll always have access to quality and adequate food.

Types Of NPHH Ration Cards

Non-priority household ration cards come under four different types based on the commodities people need. All four types are listed below for one’s better understanding and reference:

Rice card
No commodity card
Sugar card
Other

Eligibility Criteria For NPHH Ration Cards

Interested individuals first need to ensure whether they fit the eligibility criteria. The eligibility criteria for Non-Priority Household ration cards are as follows:

Applicant must have a pucca house with at least 3 rooms.
The monthly income of at least one family member should be Rs. 10,000 if they are from rural areas or Rs. 15,000 if they are from urban areas.
The family’s monthly electricity consumption should be at least 300 units of energy (KWH).

Application Process For NPHH Ration Cards

Interested and eligible applicants can apply for the Non-Priority Household ration cards through both, online and offline platforms as per their convenience and choice. Both the processes are laid down below in detail.

Online Procedure

Step 1: Please visit the official website of Tamil Nadu’s Public Distribution System. Step 2: Click on the ‘Apply New Smart Card’ option.

Step 3: Enter the necessary details like the name of the head of the family, address, contact information, etc. Step 4: Select the type of NPHH ration card.

Step 5: Upload a photograph of the head of the family.

Step 6: Provide information about your gas connection.

Step 7: Verify using the OTP sent on your mobile number and apply.

Offline Procedure

Step 1: Please visit the nearest office of the Public Distribution System.

Step 2: Request for an application form.

Step 3: Enter the necessary details like the name of the head of the family, address, contact information, etc.

Step 4: Attach the necessary documents like identity proof, caste certificate, etc.

Step 5: Fill out the declaration form stating that you don’t come under any other category of ration cards.

Step 6: Submit your application form and wait for approval.

Required Documents For NPHH Ration Cards

Applicants may need to submit some supporting documents to successfully apply for Non-Priority Household ration cards. The list of those documents is as follows:

Renewal Process Of NPHH Ration Cards

People with a Non-Priority Household ration card need to renew their cards and they can do so from the comfort of their homes as the process is online and can be finished offline. Please follow the steps mentioned below and apply for renewal:

Step 1: Send an SMS stating ‘RCREN’ to 9212357123 from your registered mobile number.

Step 2: Note the token number and security code that you’ll receive in response.

Step 3: Visit the nearest Ration Card Seva Kendra.

Step 4: Go through the biometric procedure.

Step 5: Complete renewal.

Conclusion

Non-Priority Household (NPHH) ration cards introduced by the state govt of Tamil Nadu align with the government’s objective of digitising India. NPHH ration cards aren’t only inclusive and make the lives of people and the authorities much easier and more convenient.

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