Ration Card e-KYC: Ration cards are still a vital part of life for millions of families in India. They are not just a document but a primary means of access to cheap and subsidized grain. The government is continuously working towards making the public distribution system transparent and robust. As part of this process, ration card e-KYC has been made mandatory to ensure ration reaches the right beneficiaries and to eliminate any systemic irregularities. Many states are setting deadlines for this, and people are being urged to complete the process on time.
The government’s digital system aims to ensure that only eligible people receive ration benefits. Through Aadhaar-based verification and e-KYC, fake and duplicate ration cards are being removed from the system. According to government data, since the implementation of the digital system, millions of fake ration cards have been removed, making the distribution system more transparent.
Why Ration Card e-KYC is Necessary
The primary objective of e-KYC is to increase transparency in government schemes and ensure the correct identification of beneficiaries. When ration cards are linked to Aadhaar, it ensures that ration benefits reach the right individuals. This reduces leakages in ration distribution and makes the system more reliable. The government believes that digital verification will ensure timely access to adequate rations for needy families and remove inappropriate beneficiaries.
Important to Know About Deadlines
The e-KYC deadline is not uniform across the country. Different states set different deadlines. For example, some states set different deadlines in 2025 and have also been extended. Recently, some states have issued directives to complete e-KYC by 2026. For example, one state has mandated completion by February 2026, failing which the process could result in removal from the list.
Who needs to do e-KYC?
E-KYC is mandatory for all members of families holding ration cards. If verification of any member is not complete, their name may be removed from the ration card. Previously, the government has warned in several places that if the process is not completed by the deadline, ration access could be discontinued.
How to do e-KYC online
With the increase in digital access, e-KYC is available online in many states. Beneficiaries can complete the process by entering their Aadhaar number and mobile number through government portals or mobile apps. Identity is verified through an OTP or face verification. This method is considered easier for people living in cities and areas with internet access.
An offline process is also available
Those without a smartphone or internet access can do e-KYC at the nearest ration shop or public service center. Here, identity is verified by scanning their thumb or eye through a biometric machine. The government has also introduced home verification in some areas for the elderly and disabled.
What will happen if e-KYC is not completed?
If e-KYC is not completed by the stipulated time, ration access may be temporarily suspended. In some cases, members with incomplete verification may be removed from the ration card. Repeating the process later can be time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Problems encountered during e-KYC
Sometimes, the OTP does not arrive, or the biometric machine does not accept fingerprints. In such cases, updating the mobile number in Aadhaar or visiting an Aadhaar center to update the biometrics can be helpful. Options like face verification are also being added to the government system to make it easier for more people to access the service.