Pan India ration cards from January

Ration cards can now be used for purchase of subsidised essential supplies across multiple states under the Central government's 'One card, one nation' programme. 

The move is expected to help migrant workers use  ration cards issued by their home states across the country, reports say.  

In the first phase, the programme takes effect in 12 states starting January 15. 

Ration card subscribers in Tamil Nadu will have to wait till June next year to be part of this programme, according to reports. 

Reports say ration cards - also known as family cards - should be linked to an Aadhar number to become operational across the country. 

About 79-lakh people in India have signed up for the subsidised service, according to reports.