Odisha govt extends ration card e-KYC deadline

Odisha government extended the electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) update period on Wednesday by two months, originally set to end this month. Officials stated that as of now, 96 per cent of the beneficiaries have completed their e-KYC updates, while approximately four percent are still pending, particularly in Cuttack and coastal districts.

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Authorities emphasised that no Public Distribution System (PDS) card will be cancelled, and all beneficiaries are urged to complete their updates within the extended period ending February 28, 2026. The state Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra appealed to citizens to ensure their e-KYC details are updated to continue receiving benefits without disruption.

Despite the high completion rate, the State government has yet to distribute over 8 lakh new ration cards, highlighting the ongoing administrative efforts to reach all eligible households. Officials are coordinating with 30 district authorities to expedite the process before the extended deadline.

“Discussions were underway, and the last date for updating e-KYC was extended today. I hope that all beneficiaries will update their details within the stipulated time. So far, around 96 percent of the beneficiaries have already updated their e-KYC,” Minister Patra expressed while speaking to mediapersons.

“This is the highest percentage, and Odisha is the top state in the country in this regard. The maximum number of beneficiaries in the State has updated e-KYC details. Still, we extended the date for a further period of two months from today,” the Minister stated.

“Most of the left-out beneficiaries are from Cuttack and coastal districts. There have been good outcomes in remote areas of the State,” the Food Supplies Minister added.