Bhubaneswar: In a recent development, Odisha has identified as many as 16.27 lakh ineligible ration card beneficiaries through ongoing e-KYC verification. The verification process, which commenced on August 22, was introduced to ensure that only eligible individuals receive the benefits of the National Food Security Act (NFSA). The information was shared by Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra during a session in the State Assembly on Wednesday.
e-KYC Verification to Continue Until December
The e-KYC verification, which was rolled out across the state in August, will continue until December this year. The initiative aims to filter out ineligible beneficiaries and update the database with accurate information. According to Minister Patra, the process is still in its early stages, with only 25% of the work completed so far. However, the verification process is expected to uncover many more ineligible beneficiaries as it progresses.
Non-Resident Odias Can Verify Remotely
One of the key highlights of the verification process is the convenience it offers to Non-Resident Odias (NROs). Individuals living outside Odisha are not required to visit the state to complete their e-KYC. They can carry out the verification process at their current location by visiting the nearest designated centers, where their biometric details, such as fingerprints, will be collected. This remote verification facility ensures that the e-KYC process is inclusive and accessible to all beneficiaries, regardless of their location.
Aadhaar-Based Verification to Issue New Ration Cards
Minister Patra further clarified that new ration cards will be issued to eligible applicants after the Aadhaar-based e-KYC verification process is complete. The focus is on ensuring that only those who meet the eligibility criteria under the NFSA will receive ration cards moving forward. However, the issuance of new cards is contingent upon the completion of the verification of existing ration cardholders.
"The State government remains dedicated to ensuring that NFSA benefits are provided to those who truly qualify. Many ineligible beneficiaries have already been identified, and more are expected to be detected as the process progresses," said Patra.
Ensuring Transparency and Accountability
The ongoing e-KYC verification is part of Odisha's larger initiative to bring transparency and accountability to the Public Distribution System (PDS). The identification of ineligible beneficiaries highlights the government's efforts to plug any loopholes and ensure that food grains and other essential commodities reach the truly needy. This move is also expected to free up resources that can be redirected to support those genuinely eligible under the NFSA.
Looking Ahead
As the e-KYC verification continues until December, the Odisha government is determined to complete the process efficiently. The identification of 16.27 lakh ineligible ration card beneficiaries is a significant step, but the state is gearing up for more revelations. With 75% of the verification process still pending, the number of ineligible beneficiaries is expected to rise.
The government’s proactive approach in leveraging Aadhaar-based e-KYC ensures that the ration card distribution is both fair and transparent. This move not only strengthens the PDS but also paves the way for better governance in the state.