Tripura has become the first North-eastern state to distribute durable PVC ration cards under the Public Distribution System (PDS). The cards, integrated with PoS machines, aim to enhance transparency, durability, and convenience. Nearly 10 lakh families will benefit, with phased distribution following e-KYC completion.
In a first for the Northeast, the Tripura government has introduced consumer-friendly PVC ration cards for beneficiaries under the Public Distribution System (PDS), replacing the decades-old paper-based ration booklets. The initiative aims to strengthen transparency, improve digital integration, and ensure long-lasting convenience for ration cardholders, officials said on Saturday.
A senior official from the Food and Civil Supplies Department confirmed that the new PVC cards have already started reaching beneficiaries. “The department has initiated the process of distributing PVC ration cards, replacing the old paper books. Tripura is the first state in the entire Northeast to take this step,” the official said.
The card, similar in appearance and durability to a voter ID or Aadhaar card, can be swiped or punched at fair price shops. Once swiped, the Point-of-Sale (PoS) system instantly updates all linked databases, ensuring faster and more transparent transactions. With this move, Tripura also becomes the first North-eastern state to integrate PoS machines with PVC ration cards, making the PDS more accountable and efficient.
Phased Distribution to Nearly 10 Lakh Families
According to officials, Tripura has 9.91 lakh family ration card holders. Of these, around 4.87 lakh PVC cards will be distributed in the first phase. The remaining families will receive their cards in subsequent phases once they complete the mandatory e-KYC (electronic Know Your Customer) process.
However, challenges remain. Many beneficiaries have not been able to complete their e-KYC due to issues related to Aadhaar cards, residential proof, or because they have moved back to their native residences. Authorities assured that once these formalities are resolved, all eligible beneficiaries will receive their PVC cards.
Durability and Consumer-Friendly Features
The government highlighted that PVC ration cards are not only durable and waterproof but also easier to handle compared to paper booklets, which often get torn, damaged, or lost—especially during monsoons. “The new cards will minimize the scope of damage, ensure ease of usage, and provide a stronger safeguard against fraudulent practices,” the official added.
The cards promise a blend of traditional ration card benefits with modern features, including:
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Access to subsidized food items.
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Greater transparency in transactions.
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Reduction in corruption and malpractice.
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Long-lasting and weather-resistant material.
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Easy integration with digital systems.
Modernizing Ration Shops for Better Service
In addition to new cards, the Food and Civil Supplies Department has also begun modernizing ration distribution points. Out of 2,072 government fair price shops, 600 have been selected to be developed as model outlets. Each dealer has been provided with ₹5,000 financial assistance to upgrade their shops to meet consumer needs more effectively.
The move is intended to make ration distribution consumer-friendly, transparent, and efficient. It is part of the government’s larger strategy to reform the PDS and enhance service delivery to citizens.
Assurance on Food Quality and Transparency
Food and Civil Supplies Minister Sushanta Chowdhury emphasized the state’s commitment to ensuring that citizens receive high-quality ration items. “The department has not compromised on the quality of food grains and essential commodities. Through the distribution of PVC ration cards and modernization of fair price shops, we are trying to provide better services to the people of Tripura,” he said.
The minister also recently convened a state-level conference with ration shop dealers, urging them to uphold transparency and integrity in their services. He highlighted that ration shops currently provide rice, sugar, flour, kerosene, and tea leaves at subsidized prices to all PDS beneficiaries, and the system must remain free from irregularities.
A Step Toward Digital Governance in PDS
By adopting PVC ration cards integrated with PoS machines, Tripura has set a precedent for the Northeast in digital governance within the PDS. The initiative is expected to make ration distribution smoother, reduce leakages, and bring more accountability to the system. Officials said that once fully implemented, the system will strengthen public trust and serve as a model for other states in the region.
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For nearly 10 lakh families across Tripura, this step marks not just a technological upgrade but also a move toward greater food security, efficiency, and convenience in accessing subsidized essentials.
