Odisha to begin distribution of new ration cards in September, says Minister

Bhubaneswar, Sept 4: Odisha Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra today announced in the Assembly that the distribution of new ration cards across the state will begin in September.

Patra explained that the verification process through e-KYC for issuing these new ration cards is already underway. "Over nine lakh applications have been received, and we anticipate completing the issuance process by the end of September," he stated.

In July, the minister had indicated that the government would remove ineligible beneficiaries from the ration card list, as outlined under the Food Security Act. The government has established 12 criteria for including eligible families and 10 criteria for excluding ineligible ones.

Patra emphasized that officials have been instructed to ensure that only qualified families receive the ration cards. To maintain transparency and accuracy, e-KYC audits will be used to verify applicant details, along with door-to-door surveys conducted by department officers.