Gandhinagar: The Gujarat government has clarified that ration cards cannot be used as proof of identity or residence, and should be used strictly for availing essential commodities such as LPG, kerosene, and ration from fair price shops.

The Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department issued a circular referencing earlier communications, including a 1994 state government order, a 2015 central government order under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and a recent directive by the Gujarat Information Commission dated August 5, 2025.

The circular states that as per Clause 4(6) of the Targeted Public Distribution System (Control) Order, 2015, “Ration Card shall not be used as a document of identity or proof of residence.” After careful consideration, the state government has decided to formally notify and enforce this provision across Gujarat.

Accordingly, the department in the order states, “Ration cards are to be used only for obtaining gas and ration from fair price shops. Ration cards cannot be used as an identity document or proof of residence.” The notification was issued with the approval of the state government. DeshGujarat