Bhubaneswar: The e-KYC verification process for ration cards in Odisha is set to be completed by the end of November, according to Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra. This initiative aims to ensure that only eligible beneficiaries receive ration cards, enhancing the efficiency and fairness of the distribution system.
Minister Patra announced that the verification process has already identified approximately 16 lakh ineligible beneficiaries. These individuals will be removed from the list, and new ration cards will be issued starting from the New Year. The e-KYC process, which involves linking Aadhaar details with ration cards, is crucial for eliminating discrepancies and ensuring that the benefits reach the rightful recipients.
“The completion of the e-KYC verification will mark a significant step towards transparency and accountability in our public distribution system,” stated Minister Patra. “We are committed to providing support to those who genuinely need it and ensuring that no eligible beneficiary is left out.”
The minister also expressed gratitude to the central government for extending the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) until 2028, which will continue to provide free fortified rice to beneficiaries.
The Odisha government has urged all remaining ration cardholders to complete their e-KYC verification promptly to avoid any disruption in their benefits. The new ration cards, to be distributed from January, will reflect the updated list of eligible beneficiaries, ensuring a more streamlined and effective distribution of resources.