What Is The Difference Between BPL And APL Ration Card?

A Ration Card is a document issued in India by the State Government as per the Public Distribution System for the purchase of essential commodities from Ration shops or fair price shops.  According to the economic status of the families, State Governments in India divide those families into four groups; for instance: BPL (Below Poverty Line) group, APL (Above Poverty Line) group, Antyodaya Family group, and High Income Group People.

BPL Ration Card:

This type of Ration Card is issued to the families that live below the poverty line.  In India, you will be on the BPL list if your annual income is Rs.27,000 or less.

APL Ration Card:

This type of Ration Card is issued to the families that live above the defined Poverty line.  Anyone can apply for this Ration Card and there is no annual income limit under this category.

Eligibility Criteria for BPL and APL:

The eligibility criteria for all ration cards area designed by the targeted public distribution system of the central government.  The difference in both in terms of eligibility has been listed below.

BPL Criteria:

1. There should not be a residential telephone in the household of the BPL category.
2. The family should not possess any type of Four-Wheeler vehicle.

A. The annual income of the family should not exceed Rs. 27,000/- to be under the BPL category.

1. None of the family members should not have even half a hectare of land.

APL Criteria:

1. Families having a total annual income of more than 27,000/- and less than one lakh are APL category.
2. The members of APL families should not own any four-wheeled or light vehicle (Excluding Taxi Drivers).

A. The family should not possess the irrigated land of more than four hectors.

Before issuing a BPL or APL, their application is checked thoroughly by the authority personnel and after being verified, processed them as BPL or APL category if they fulfill every point.  The scheme is targeted to help the really poor and vulnerable sections of the society by which they can get help by the Government and able to maintain a standard life.