Deadline alert: e-KYC verification for Ration Cards to end on this date

Ration cardholders are required to complete their e-KYC verification by the end of June. Failure to comply could result in ineligible beneficiaries being removed from the Public Distribution System (PDS) list, Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra said on Thursday.

Also read: Income Tax payers to return Ration Card; Odisha Minister clarifies stance

According to the Minister, the e-KYC verification process for ration cards will conclude by the end of June 2025. So far, nearly 95 percent of the beneficiaries have completed their e-KYC, while around 22 lakh people are yet to do so. The Minister warned that those who fail to complete the verification by the deadline may be disqualified from receiving ration benefits as ineligible beneficiaries will be excluded after the cut-off date.

Claims of the Food Supplies Minister

“For the first time in past 13 years, new Ration Cards are being issued in Odisha during our (BJP-led) government. Following the formation of new government, around 17 lakh people had applied for the cards. Of these, 6 lakh ration cards were approved by the Chief Minister, which is currently being distributed,” the Food Supplies Minister stated.

“More than 15 lakh applications are in the pipeline. Applications are now being accepted not just through block offices, but also online via public service centers. The overwhelming public response is being seen as a sign of renewed trust in the new government,” the Food Supplies Minister further said.

Authorities have assured that crowd management and other necessary steps will be taken to streamline the process.

Worth mentioning, the Food Supplies Minister had previously cleared the air on January 30 on confusion regarding the return of ration cards by contractual workers across Odisha.

Must Read: Over 40 lakh ghost ration card holders found in Odisha so far: Minister

In a statement, Minister Patra had specified that the directive was not aimed at contractual workers, but was meant for those not in substantial positions and with lower income levels. He had emphasised, saying, “Those earning between Rs 10,000 and Rs 12,000 per month should not encounter any problems concerning the Ration Card policy.”