Odisha govt extends ration card e-KYC deadline to Dec 31, flags 6.8L deceased beneficiaries

The Odisha government has extended the deadline for the ongoing E-KYC verification process for ration cardholders until December 31, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra informed the State Assembly in a written reply on Wednesday. 

The decision aims to provide additional time for beneficiaries who are yet to complete the mandatory procedure. According to the Minister, the verification exercise has brought significant irregularities to light. 

During the E-KYC drive, authorities identified 6,83,995 deceased persons whose names were still registered as active beneficiaries under the Public Distribution System (PDS). This discovery highlights the extent of misuse and fraudulent claims within the system.

The Minister further disclosed that 33,128 ineligible ration cards have been cancelled so far. Among the districts, Khordha recorded the highest number of fake ration cards, with 4,747 cases detected during the verification process.

Additionally, since the beginning of the cleanup drive in June last year, 15,33,153 new applications have been received for ration cards, reflecting both increased awareness and rising demand.

Officials stated that the E-KYC process is crucial for ensuring transparency, reducing leakages, and guaranteeing that subsidised food grains reach only eligible beneficiaries. 

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Meanwhile, the department has urged all ration cardholders to complete E-KYC within the extended timeline to avoid suspension of benefits.