Ration Card Holders Must Complete eKYC, Delay Could Stop Free Wheat & Rice Supply
Key Highlights:
- eKYC is mandatory for every member listed on the ration card.
- Without eKYC, ration card may be cancelled and free grains stopped.
- Scheme extended till December 2028, covering over 80 crore beneficiaries.
New Delhi: A major announcement has been made for ration card holders. The government has made eKYC mandatory for all individuals listed in the ration card. It's not enough for just the head of the family to complete eKYC—every member must complete it. Failing to do so may result in the cancellation of the ration card, and the free distribution of wheat and rice could be halted.
eKYC Mandatory Under PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)
Under the Prime Minister Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), the government provides free ration to economically weaker sections. The Department of Food and Public Distribution has confirmed via social media platform X that eKYC is compulsory for beneficiaries to continue receiving this support.
Ration Card Will Be Cancelled Without eKYC
The Department of Food and Public Distribution emphasized that free ration is a right under the PMGKAY and that eKYC secures this right. Thus, every family member listed on the ration card must undergo Aadhaar-based biometric verification. Failure to complete eKYC can result in cancellation of the ration card and discontinuation of free ration benefits.
Why Is eKYC Being Implemented?
The government’s goal is to ensure transparency in the public distribution system and ensure rations reach the rightful beneficiaries. eKYC helps verify identities using Aadhaar and ensures that only genuine people receive the benefits.
What is PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)?
Launched in March 2020 during the COVID-19 crisis, PMGKAY aims to provide free food grains to the poor. Around 80.67 crore beneficiaries are currently receiving free wheat, rice, and other essentials under this scheme. It operates nationwide through the One Nation, One Ration Card (ONORC) system. The scheme has been extended from January 1, 2024, to December 2028.
How to Complete eKYC?
The eKYC process is simple. Visit your nearest ration shop with your Aadhaar card. The ration dealer will scan your fingerprint and verify your identity electronically. The process only takes a few minutes.
What is eKYC?
Electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) is a digital identity verification method that links your ration card with your Aadhaar card, ensuring secure and authentic identity verification.
news