The Indian government has intensified efforts to streamline the Public Distribution System (PDS) by mandating Aadhaar-linked electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) verification for all ration cardholders. With millions still pending verification, this article provides a comprehensive guide to deadlines, processes, and consequences of non-compliance, ensuring beneficiaries retain access to subsidized food grains.
Key Deadlines and Extensions
- National Deadline: jun 30, 2025, remains the primary deadline for most states. Failure to comply risks suspension of PDS benefits, including subsidized grains like rice, wheat, and pulses .
- State-Specific Extensions:
- Odisha: Extended to jun 30, 2025, with door-to-door surveys planned to assist lagging beneficiaries. As of jun 30, this deadline has just passed, but officials are conducting follow-up verifications .
- Andhra Pradesh: Deadline extended to April 30, 2025. Over 7.55 lakh cards are pending verification, with exemptions for children under 5 and seniors above 80 .
- Tamil Nadu: Reports indicate 70 lakh beneficiaries, primarily under Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), are yet to complete e-KYC .
Why E-KYC is Mandatory
The e-KYC drive aims to:
- Eliminate Fraud: Remove duplicate or ineligible beneficiaries from the PDS database .
- Enhance Transparency: Biometric authentication via Aadhaar ensures only verified individuals receive subsidies .
- Prevent Deactivation: Non-compliance leads to ration card suspension, cutting off access to essential commodities .
Documents and Eligibility
- Required Documents: Only an Aadhaar card is needed for verification. Biometric (fingerprint/iris) or OTP-based authentication is mandatory for all family members listed on the ration card .
- Exemptions: Andhra Pradesh exempts children below 5 and seniors above 80 from biometric verification .
Step-by-Step Process to Complete E-KYC
Online Method:
- Visit State PDS Portal: Access your state’s official portal (e.g., epds.ap.gov.in for Andhra Pradesh) .
- Navigate to E-KYC Section: Look for “Ration Card Services” or “E-Services” .
- Enter Details: Provide ration card number and Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
- OTP Authentication: Submit the OTP received on your registered mobile number .
Offline Method:
- Visit Fair Price Shop (FPS): Biometric verification is conducted via e-POS machines .
- Facial E-KYC (Bihar): Use the Mera eKYC or AadhaarFaceRD app for remote verification .
Checking E-KYC Status
- Online:
- State PDS portals → Enter ration card/Aadhaar number → Check status.
- Andhra Pradesh users: Look for “Active” status under “Ration Card Search” .
- Offline:
- Visit FPS and use e-POS machines. Green indicators confirm completion .
Challenges and Government Measures
- Connectivity Issues: Odisha extended deadlines due to poor internet in rural areas, deploying offline teams for verification .
- Outreach Programs: Tamil Nadu’s FPS dealers are contacting beneficiaries via phone, while Bihar mandates daily e-KYC slots (10 AM–12 PM) at ration shops .
- Surveys: Post-deadline door-to-door surveys in Odisha aim to address genuine hurdles before card cancellation .
Impact of Non-Compliance
- Immediate Suspension: Over 7.55 lakh beneficiaries nationally risk losing subsidies post-deadline .
- State-Specific Penalties:
- Bihar: Names of unverified members will be removed from ration cards, halting benefits from April 2025 .
- Andhra Pradesh: Non-compliant households lose access to wheat, rice, and LPG cylinders .
Conclusion
The e-KYC initiative is a critical step toward modernizing India’s PDS, ensuring resources reach the most vulnerable. While the jun 30 deadline has passed for most states, extensions in Andhra Pradesh (April 30) and ongoing surveys in Odisha offer a lifeline to lagging beneficiaries. To avoid disruption, cardholders must act swiftly—utilize online portals, visit FPS shops, or leverage mobile apps like Mera eKYC. For state-specific updates, contact toll-free helplines (e.g., 1967 in Andhra Pradesh) or visit official portals .
Secure your right to subsidized food grains—complete e-KYC today.
