BHUBANESWAR: The state government on Tuesday announced that free rice under national and state food security schemes will not be provided to ration cardholders who have not completed electronic know your customer (e-KYC) verification, from November.
Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare minister Krushna Chandra Patra told mediapersons the decision has been taken in conformation to the central government’s instruction to all states making e-KYC verification mandatory for all ration cardholders for receiving the benefit under public distribution system (PDS).
The minister said more than 15.67 lakh beneficiaries across the state remain unverified even after repeated extension of deadlines for self-authentication. They have been provided the free rice till October, but the government has decided to stop the distribution to those who have not completed e-KYC, from next month.
He said the move follows the central government’s directive to discontinue benefits linked to incomplete e-KYC. If the Centre extends the deadline, the state will consider an extension as well, he added.
Patra, however, said the government will consider genuine cases where beneficiaries have not been able to complete the e-KYC process due to reasons beyond their control. In such cases, the affected beneficiaries will have to explain the reasons to authorities concerned in writing. The department after review will resume supply of rice to deserving ones.
“The government is committed to ensure that all deserving persons are covered under the food security net. The e-KYC policy of the government is not intended to harass anyone. Instead, it seeks to improve accountability and ensure that benefits reach the right people,” Patra said.