Odisha Govt grants 3-month grace period for PDS e-KYC

Bhubaneswar, July 15: The Odisha government has announced a three-month grace period for beneficiaries under the Public Distribution System (PDS) who have not yet completed the mandatory e-KYC process linked to their ration cards. The decision aims to provide sufficient time for cardholders to complete the verification and continue receiving subsidised food grains.

Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra made the announcement on Tuesday, stating that over 20.58 lakh ration cards across the state have been temporarily suspended due to non-compliance with the e-KYC requirement.

“These cards have not been cancelled, but suspended for now,” the Minister clarified. “Beneficiaries must complete their e-KYC within the next three months to retain their entitlements. If they fail to do so, their ration cards will be permanently deactivated.”

The e-KYC process is part of the government’s initiative to ensure transparency in food grain distribution and eliminate ineligible or duplicate beneficiaries.

The government has urged all affected cardholders to complete the process either through designated government centres or online platforms at the earliest. This move is aimed at strengthening the PDS system while safeguarding genuine beneficiaries.