Ration Card Holders Must Complete Aadhaar-Based e-KYC by March 31: Government Directive

Spatz04 March 26, 2025


The government has issued a crucial directive for ration card holders to complete their Aadhaar-based e-KYC (Know Your Customer) verification by March 31, 2025. This step is part of the initiative to streamline the Public Distribution System (PDS) and ensure that benefits reach the rightful beneficiaries.

Why Is Aadhaar-Based e-KYC Mandatory?

The Aadhaar-linked e-KYC process aims to:

  • Eliminate duplicate and fraudulent ration cards, ensuring benefits reach genuine beneficiaries.

  • Improve efficiency in the distribution of subsidized food grains under government schemes.

  • Enable seamless biometric authentication for hassle-free ration distribution at Fair Price Shops.

Who Needs to Complete the Process?

All households holding ration cards under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and other state-run PDS schemes must complete the Aadhaar-based e-KYC process before the deadline to continue receiving subsidized food grains.

How to Complete the Aadhaar-Based e-KYC for Ration Cards?

The process can be completed through the following methods:

  1. Online Mode:

    • Visit the official state PDS website or ration card portal.

    • Log in with your ration card number and Aadhaar details.

    • Authenticate using OTP sent to the Aadhaar-linked mobile number.

  2. Offline Mode:

    • Visit the nearest Fair Price Shop (FPS) or PDS office.

    • Carry your Aadhaar card and ration card for biometric verification.

  3. Through Mobile Apps:

    • Some states have launched dedicated apps for Aadhaar e-KYC, allowing beneficiaries to update their details from home.

What Happens If e-KYC Is Not Completed?

Failure to complete the Aadhaar-based e-KYC by March 31 may result in:

  • Ration card deactivation, leading to discontinuation of subsidized food grain benefits.

  • The household being marked as ineligible for government welfare schemes.

Government’s Appeal to Beneficiaries

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution has urged all ration cardholders to complete their e-KYC process at the earliest to avoid last-minute issues. States have been instructed to facilitate easy access to e-KYC facilities to ensure maximum compliance.

For further details, beneficiaries are advised to visit their state PDS website or contact their local ration shop.

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