If you are a ration card holder benefiting from the government’s free or subsidised food grain scheme, this update is extremely important for you. The authorities have issued a clear deadline related to ration cards, and missing it may result in the suspension of your food supply. As per the latest instructions, all eligible beneficiaries must complete a mandatory verification process by February 28, failing which their ration benefits may be stopped.

Why the Government Has Made This Step Mandatory

To improve transparency and eliminate misuse in the Public Distribution System (PDS), the government has made e-KYC (Electronic Know Your Customer) compulsory for ration card holders. Over the years, several irregularities have been reported, such as duplicate ration cards, deceased individuals continuing to receive benefits, and one person drawing ration from multiple locations. These issues not only burden the system but also deprive genuine beneficiaries of their rightful share.

The e-KYC process ensures biometric verification of each beneficiary using Aadhaar authentication. This helps confirm that ration is distributed only to eligible and living individuals.

Verification Required for Every Family Member

A common misconception among beneficiaries is that completing e-KYC for the head of the family is sufficient. However, this is not true. Every individual whose name appears on the ration card must complete e-KYC separately.

For example, if a ration card includes five family members and only three have completed verification, the food grains allotted to the remaining two members may be discontinued. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that children, adults, and senior citizens listed on the card all undergo the verification process.

How to Complete Ration Card e-KYC

The process of completing e-KYC is simple and convenient. Beneficiaries can visit their nearest fair price shop (ration shop) where the dealer has an e-POS machine. You only need to carry your Aadhaar card. The dealer will authenticate your identity by scanning your fingerprint. Once the biometric details match with Aadhaar records, the e-KYC is completed instantly.

In many regions, state governments have also provided online facilities. Beneficiaries can visit the official website of their local food and civil supplies department to check Aadhaar seeding status and complete the process digitally, if available.

Why You Should Not Delay

Waiting until the last moment can cause unnecessary problems. As the deadline approaches, technical issues such as server overload, machine failures, and long queues at ration shops become common. If e-KYC is not completed by February 28, your name may be removed from the beneficiary list.

Reactivating a cancelled ration card can be a lengthy and complicated procedure involving paperwork and repeated visits to government offices. Hence, completing e-KYC well in advance is strongly advised.

Ration Card Is More Than Just Food Security

A ration card is not only used for obtaining subsidised food grains but also serves as an important identity document for accessing various government welfare schemes. Keeping it updated ensures uninterrupted benefits and protects your rights as a beneficiary.

By completing e-KYC on time, you contribute to a fair and transparent distribution system and help ensure that assistance reaches those who truly need it.