Ration Card e-KYC registration continues to be a challenge for Bonda Ghati people in Odisha

Residents of Bonda Ghati in Odisha’s Malkangiri district are encountering considerable difficulties in updating their electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) information for ration cards. With the deadline fast approaching, almost half of the region’s residents are yet to complete the necessary updates, creating widespread concern within the community.

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As per the district-wise list, Malkangiri remains in second position from the bottom for e-KYC completion rates across Odisha. Allegedly, factors such as inadequate internet connectivity and a perceived lack of urgency by local authorities have left the illiterate tribal residents in a precarious situation.

This is how Malkangiri officials accelerate the process

In response, local officials have accelerated the process by setting up special camps. Updating e-KYC is critical for beneficiaries, as ration cards are vital for accessing food supplies, and there is apprehension that failure to update could result in losing this essential service. The combination of poor mobile network coverage and administrative lapses has intensified the problem.

In the Mudulipada panchayat of Malkangiri, only 2,394 out of 4,055 ration cardholders have completed their e-KYC, leaving 1,661 still pending. Across the district, approximately 85 percent of the total 5,38,473 beneficiaries have successfully updated their e-KYC. However, still, there remains a concern for the 15 percent, or 82,778 individuals, who have not yet completed their ration card updates.

Currently, Malkangiri district ranks 29th in the State, second from the bottom, for e-KYC completion.

The food supplies department has undertaken measures by conducting special camps in remote areas plagued by insufficient mobile network coverage and connectivity issues.

What do local beneficiaries say?

“They (tribal beneficiaries) are travelling long distances to either Khairaput, or Mudulipada, or Gahirpali to get their e-KYC updated,” a local youth Sania Muduli said to OTV.

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“They were told that their Aadhaar Card details have not been updated yet. Fingerprints of the beneficiaries are to be updated again; hence, they returned home. They are unable to understand the requirements,” the youth added.