Odisha has over 40 lakh ghost ration card holders; Jan 31 deadline for e-KYC update

Minister of Food Suppliers, Consumer Welfare, Krushna Chandra Patra on Monday said that Odisha has over 40 lakh ghost ration card holders. The Minister informed that around 40,40,864 lakh beneficiaries are yet to update their e-KYC even as the deadline nears.

The ongoing e-KYC verification process is set to conclude on January 31. However, only 88% of the populace has completed the verification process. 

“A total of 3,35,570 beneficiaries were to update their e-KYC. However, till now only 2.94 crore have done their e-KYC verification. Around 1.30 lakh Odia people who are working outside the state have also done their e-KYC,” the Minister told media persons.

Also Read: Every block has 200-300 ineligible ration cards in Odisha: Food Supplies Minister

“Now, around 40,40,864 people are yet to complete their e-KYC. We just have another four days left. They are requested to complete it before January 31. If there is a mass complaint from consumers, the government will decide whether to extend the date or not,” the Minister added.

“Most of the beneficiaries have died. Many others are living outside the state. Moreover, many are ineligible beneficiaries. I have promised that no action will be taken against them if they surrender themselves. If they don’t commit their frauds, we will be forced to take action later,” he added.

Minister Patra assured the public of swift finalisation of the process, emphasising the commitment to transparency and accuracy in public welfare programmes. This exercise is critical for ensuring that entitlements and services are delivered seamlessly to eligible recipients, he said.

The Odisha Minister also urged the beneficiaries to complete the process promptly to avoid disruptions.