Ration Card Update: e-KYC Mandatory by April 30, New Rules Effective from May 1

New Delhi If you are a ration card holder, this is an important update for you. The government has announced that e-KYC is mandatory for all ration card beneficiaries. The last date to complete e-KYC is April 30, 2025, after which new rules will come into effect from May 1. Failure to complete the e-KYC process will result in cancellation of ration card benefits.

Why Is e-KYC Mandatory?

According to the Ministry of Food and Public Distribution, over 23.5% of ration cards are yet to be verified. The government is pushing for e-KYC to eliminate fake or duplicate ration cards from the system. This will ensure that only eligible families continue to receive subsidized food grains under the Public Distribution System (PDS).

Extended Deadline Final Call

• Previous Deadline: March 31, 2025

• Extended Deadline: April 30, 2025

• The government has extended the deadline six times, but officials have stated this will be the final extension.

What Happens If You Don’t Complete e-KYC?

• Your name will be removed from the ration card list

• You will not be eligible to receive government-distributed grains

• Your benefits under PDS will be suspended indefinitely

How to Do e-KYC (Two Easy Methods) 1. Via Nearest PDS Shop

• Visit your local ration or PDS dealer

• Provide Aadhaar number of the family head

• Authenticate with fingerprint or OTP via the e-POS machine

• Complete the biometric verification

2. Online From Home

• Visit your state’s Public Distribution System (PDS) website

• Click on ‘e-KYC for Ration Card’

• Enter ration card number and Aadhaar number

• Enter OTP received on your registered mobile number

• Fill in the details and submit

Who Should Pay Attention?

• All National Food Security Act (NFSA) beneficiaries

• Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) card holders

• Priority Households (PHH) listed under the scheme

Government Advisory

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has sent letters to all state governments to ensure complete compliance by April 30. States have been directed to intensify awareness campaigns to inform the public.

Conclusion

If you or your family rely on subsidized food grains through the ration card, ensure you complete your e-KYC before April 30, 2025. After May 1, new rules will be enforced, and non-compliance may lead to permanent cancellation of benefits.