In an aim to promote transparency and efficiency in the distribution of subsidized food grains, the Government of India has made April 30, 2025, the deadline for completion of e-KYC for all ration card holders. Beneficiaries who miss this deadline will be permanently excluded from getting ration, irrespective of whether they possess a valid card or not.
The action is a part of the government's drive to eliminate fake ration cards, duplication of beneficiaries, and see to it that the benefits find genuine and deserving families. It was discovered that in numerous places, rations were being benefited from in the name of deceased individuals or from multiple cards in the same household, leading to losses for the public distribution system.
e-KYC is Now Mandatory for All Family Members
One of the key directives in this update is that e-KYC must be completed for every single member listed on the ration card. Incomplete KYC of even one member may result in disqualification of the entire family from the scheme. This makes it essential for families to verify and update every individual's Aadhaar-linked data.
Role of Samagra ID
To ensure proper allocation of grains based on family size, the Samagra ID — a unique family identification system — also needs to be updated. This ID contains demographic details of all members and determines how much ration a family is entitled to receive. In case of the death of a family member, the name must be removed by submitting a death certificate, while new members can be added using a birth certificate.
Easy Process via ‘Mera e-KYC’ Mobile App
To simplify the process, the government has launched a dedicated app called ‘Mera e-KYC’, available on Google Play Store. Here's how it works:
-
Download the app on your smartphone.
-
Login using your Aadhaar number and the mobile number linked to it.
-
Receive an OTP for verification.
-
Submit the required information.
-
After successful authentication, you will receive a confirmation message.
This process is especially beneficial for urban and tech-savvy users, allowing them to complete e-KYC from the comfort of their home.
Offline Option for Rural Residents
For residents of villages and remote areas who may not own smartphones or have access to the internet, the government has provided alternatives. Beneficiaries can visit their nearest ration distribution shop or Common Service Centre (CSC), where officials will assist in completing the e-KYC using Aadhaar card and biometric (fingerprint) authentication.
No More Excuses– All Previous Exemptions Eliminated
Earlier, there were leniencies and exemptions for some of the beneficiaries, particularly those in remote or tribal locations. These are now withdrawn. The government has announced that no ration will be issued after April 30, 2025, unless the beneficiary's e-KYC is updated in full.
This e-KYC initiative is likely to usher in increased accountability, stop leakages, and substantially enhance the targeting and efficiency of ration distribution under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).
Beneficiaries are requested strongly to avoid waiting till the last hour and do their e-KYC at the earliest so that they may not end up being excluded from the scheme permanently.
