A crucial update has been issued for ration card holders across India. The Food and Consumer Protection Department has made it mandatory for all beneficiaries to complete e-KYC (electronic Know Your Customer) verification under the National Food Security framework. Authorities have clearly stated that free ration benefits will be stopped if e-KYC is not completed by February 28.

This move aims to ensure that subsidised food grains reach only eligible and genuinely needy families, while removing ineligible or duplicate beneficiaries from the system. The decision is part of the government’s broader effort to bring transparency and efficiency to the public distribution network.

Why Is Ration Card e-KYC Mandatory?

The government has observed that many ineligible beneficiaries were continuing to receive free ration due to outdated or incorrect records. By linking ration cards with Aadhaar-based e-KYC, authorities can verify identities accurately and prevent misuse of welfare schemes.

According to officials, this step will strengthen the Public Distribution System (PDS) and ensure that food subsidies reach the poorest households without leakage or corruption.

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?

If a ration card holder fails to complete e-KYC by February 28, their free ration supply may be suspended temporarily or permanently. In such cases, beneficiaries could face difficulties restarting their ration benefits later, even if they are eligible.

Hence, the department has strongly urged all ration card holders to complete the process well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.

How to Complete Ration Card e-KYC Easily

The e-KYC process is completely free of cost and can be completed either online or offline, depending on your convenience.

Online Method

1. Visit your state’s official Food and Civil Supplies Department or PDS portal.
2. Click on the option “Link Aadhaar with Ration Card” or “e-KYC”.
3. Enter your ration card number and Aadhaar number issued by UIDAI.
4. An OTP will be sent to the mobile number linked with your Aadhaar.
5. Enter the OTP and submit the form.
6. Once verified, a confirmation message showing “Success” will appear on the screen.

People who are living outside their home district or state can also complete Aadhaar verification at any nearby fair price shop.

Offline Method

1. Visit your nearest ration shop (PDS shop).
2. Carry a photocopy of your ration card along with Aadhaar cards of all family members.
3. The ration dealer will verify your details using an e-POS machine.
4. Biometric authentication (fingerprint scan) will be done on the spot.
5. Your e-KYC will be updated immediately after successful verification.

Special Note for Antyodaya and Priority Category Card Holders

According to departmental data, thousands of beneficiaries fall under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana and Priority Household categories. Antyodaya cards are issued to the poorest families, including landless labourers, rickshaw pullers, daily wage workers, and households with extremely limited income.

Priority category beneficiaries also depend heavily on free or subsidised ration. For these groups, completing e-KYC is especially important, as any interruption in ration supply could severely affect daily food security.

Government Appeal to Beneficiaries

Officials have appealed to all ration card holders not to ignore this notification. Completing e-KYC on time will ensure uninterrupted access to free ration benefits and help the government maintain a fair and transparent distribution system.

With the February 28 deadline approaching fast, beneficiaries are advised to complete the process immediately to avoid future complications.

Disclaimer: Rules related to ration card e-KYC and food distribution may vary by state and can be updated by authorities from time to time. Beneficiaries should check their respective state PDS portal or visit the nearest ration shop for the latest information and official guidance.