Ration Card Holders Alert: June 30 is the Deadline for Mandatory e-KYC, or Free Ration Will Be Stopped

The Government of India has issued an important update for ration card holders across the country, especially those receiving free ration under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). In a move aimed at curbing fraud and ensuring that benefits reach genuine beneficiaries, the government has made e-KYC mandatory for all ration card holders. The final deadline to complete this process is June 30, 2025.

e-KYC Now Mandatory to Continue Free Ration

Millions of low-income and economically weaker families rely on subsidized or free food grains under government schemes. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the central government has extended the free ration benefit through the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) and other welfare schemes. Now, to ensure that only eligible families continue receiving this benefit, the government has instructed all ration card holders to complete their e-KYC by the specified deadline.

Failure to do so will result in immediate suspension of free ration supply, and the names of non-compliant individuals will be removed from the beneficiary list. In such cases, people will be required to reapply for ration card registration from scratch, delaying their access to vital support.

Why Is e-KYC Being Implemented?

The e-KYC process will help eliminate duplicate, fake, or ineligible beneficiaries from the public distribution system. It ensures that every ration card is directly linked to a genuine Aadhaar number and biometric verification, increasing transparency and accuracy in welfare delivery.

This step is part of the government’s broader initiative to digitize public welfare services, reduce leakages, and enhance the accountability of the ration distribution system.

How to Complete the e-KYC for Ration Card

Completing e-KYC is a straightforward process and can be done by visiting the nearest food supply department office or authorized ration distribution center. Here’s what you need to do:

• Carry your Aadhaar card (mandatory for linking)

• Visit the local ration center or public distribution outlet

• Provide fingerprint verification (biometric authentication)

• Ensure that all family members listed on the card are correctly updated

In some states, online e-KYC through the official food supply portals may also be available. However, physical verification is recommended for confirmation.

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?

If a ration card holder fails to complete the e-KYC process by June 30, 2025, they will:

• Stop receiving free ration

• Be removed from the NFSA beneficiary list

• Have to reapply for the ration card

The government has made it clear that no exceptions will be entertained after the deadline, so citizens are strongly urged to take action before it’s too late.

Final Reminder to Ration Card Holders

If you or someone you know is a ration card beneficiary, especially under the free ration schemes, this is a critical reminder. Ensure that your e-KYC is completed before June 30 to continue receiving essential food supplies without interruption. This simple step can safeguard your family’s food security and avoid unnecessary procedural hassles later.