Odisha Government Implements Ration Card Suspensions Following e-KYC Deadline

The Odisha government is set to suspend the ration cards of approximately 20.58 lakh individuals due to the non-completion of e-KYC verification. This announcement was made by Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra. The last date for e-KYC verification was June 30th. The e-KYC verification drive, which began in August 2024, aimed to remove ineligible beneficiaries from the National and State Food Security Schemes. The deadline was extended several times before the final date. The government plans to suspend the ration cards of those who did not complete their e-KYC verification. A three-month window will be provided for these individuals. During this period, their rice quota will be withheld. Upon visiting the PDS store and completing e-KYC, their ration cards will be renewed. The government will deactivate the ration cards of those who do not comply. Over 3.25 crore people are beneficiaries of the National Food Security Act (NFSA), and an additional 6.48 lakh are covered by the State Food Security Scheme (SFSS). The government has procured 19 lakh metric tonnes of paddy during the current Rabi season, compared to 12 lakh metric tonnes in the last Rabi season. Paddy procurement will continue for farmers who possess tokens.