Gujarat government says ration card not an identity card, use it only to buy essential things

A new circular by the Gujarat government has declared that the ration card will no longer be treated as an identity card. It can only be used to obtain essential commodities such as LPG gas, kerosene, and ration from fair price shops.

According to Clause 4(6) of the Targeted Public Distribution System (Control) Order, 2015 of the Government of India,

“Ration card shall not be used as a document of identity or proof of residence.”

Referring to the Gujarat Information Commission’s order dated August 5, 2025, the government stated that the matter of issuing a notification regarding the use of ration cards was under consideration. After careful deliberation, the government has now issued the circular stating:

“A ration card shall be used only for obtaining LPG gas and ration from fair price shops. It shall not be used as a document of identity or proof of residence.”

The circular was issued by order and in the name of the Governor of Gujarat.