The Government of India runs various types of welfare schemes for all the citizens of the country, and one of the important schemes is the Free Ration Scheme. Crores of people in the country are taking advantage of this scheme, especially those who are still struggling for two meals a day.
For such poor and needy people, the government runs the Free Ration Scheme under the National Food Security Act. To avail of this scheme, you must have a ration card, because without it you will not get this important benefit.
But now an important update has come! Many people may stop getting the facility of free ration, as the government has issued a new and strict rule. So, if you also want to take advantage of this scheme, then this information is very important for you.
Why is eKYC mandatory for free ration
The government has made it mandatory for all ration card holders to get eKYC (Electronic Know Your Customer). This simply means that ration card holders who have not done their eKYC will not get the facility of free ration. Therefore, this work has now become not just necessary, but mandatory.
According to the information given by the government, a last date has also been issued for this: 30 June 2025. This is the last date to get a ration card eKYC (Ration Card eKYC). If you have not done your eKYC by then, your ration card may be closed, and you may have to be deprived of free ration.
How to do Ration Card eKYC
The process of getting ration card eKYC done is quite simple and can be completed in many ways:
Online method
You can also get your ration card eKYC done online. Many state governments have made this facility available on the websites of their Food and Civil Supplies Department. You have to go to the concerned portal and complete the eKYC using your ration card number and Aadhaar number.
Nearest Food Supply Department
If you are facing any problem in getting eKYC done online, then you can also complete the process of eKYC by visiting the office of your nearest Food Supply Department. The officers there will help you.
At the ration shop
In many states, an eKYC facility is also available with the ration dealer, where you can complete this process using your biometric identity (fingerprint).
Documents required for eKYC
To get the eKYC of the ration card done, you will mainly need your Aadhar card. When you go to the nearest center, you can get eKYC done using your fingerprint. This ensures that only the right person gets the benefit and fraud can be prevented.
Why is eKYC important
The purpose of mandatory eKYC is to bring transparency and efficiency to the ration distribution system. This helps the government to ensure that the benefits of free ration reach only the eligible and needy people. It also helps in identifying and removing fake ration cards, so that government resources can be better utilized. This Aadhaar-based authentication ensures that no ineligible person can take advantage of this scheme.
What will be the effect of not getting eKYC done
If you do not get your ration card eKYC done by June 30, 2025, it can have serious consequences:
You will stop getting free ration under the National Food Security Act.
Your ration card will be deactivated, due to which you will not be able to get the benefit of this scheme in the future also.
You may also be deprived of other food-related schemes of the government, for which a ration card is an important document.