Bihar's Food and Consumer Protection Department has issued a clear warning to over 1.5 crore ration card holders who have yet to complete their e-KYC. The deadline is set for March 31, 2025, and the consequences of failing to meet this deadline are severe: starting April 1, 2025, those who do not comply will find their names removed from the ration card list, meaning they will no longer receive food supplies under the National Food Security Act.
With approximately 8.25 crore ration card holders across the state, authorities are adamant about the necessity of this process. The government has previously indicated multiple opportunities for compliance, yet many individuals have still not made the necessary arrangements to complete their e-KYC. This move aims to confirm eligibility for ration distributions and streamline the benefits distribution process for all citizens.
To facilitate the e-KYC process, the department had initially provided machines at ration shops. Still, many users faced difficulties with this system. Consequently, the government introduced facial e-KYC as an alternative, making it easier for individuals to verify their identities. Despite these efforts, the department has reported startling statistics: as of now, over 1.5 crore people have failed to complete the mandatory process.
The Food and Consumer Protection Department has made it very clear: "If any member registered on the ration card does not complete their e-KYC by March 31, their name will be removed from the card effective April 1, 2025," the department noted.
Officials have emphasized the importance of the e-KYC process, stating: "This step is being taken under directions provided by the Ministry of Food and Public Distribution as part of efforts to guarantee ration access only to eligible individuals."
For those who wish to complete their e-KYC, several methods are available:
- Visit Ration Shops: Individuals can go to any nearby ration shop to undergo the e-KYC process or provide their Aadhaar seeding.
- Facial e-KYC: If individuals encounter issues with physical machines, they can utilize facial recognition tools provided by the department.
- Use of Apps: For those who prefer self-service methods, downloading the 'Mera eKYC' app or the 'AadharFaceRD' app will allow them to complete their e-KYC independently.
The government’s goal is clear: to eliminate fraudulent claims and to streamline benefits for genuinely eligible families. "Despite many extensions, those who haven’t participated are at risk of losing their entitled supplies. We want every eligible person to secure their rations, but e-KYC is pivotal to this process," officials confirmed.
While the deadline grows closer, officials encourage all eligible individuals to act swiftly to avoid disruption to their food supplies. The consequences of missing the deadline are serious, particularly for low-income families who rely on ration distributions for their daily sustenance. Further appeals from government officials are likely to ramp up as March 31 approaches.
This situation emphasizes the need for all state residents to prioritize the completion of their e-KYC to secure access to food provisions and avoid being caught off-guard when the cutoff date arrives.
With less than one month remaining before the final deadline, families are urged to take advantage of the available resources. Ignoring this directive could significantly impact their ability to acquire necessary food supplies and benefit from programs intended to assist them under the provisions of state welfare schemes.
Officials anticipate the final weeks leading to the deadline will be busy as they encourage citizens to engage with the systems set out to aid them, highlighting the importance of thoughtful compliance with this initiative.
For those needing assistance, local authorities and community aid groups are also ready to help individuals navigate through the e-KYC processes, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to secure their necessary documentation before time runs out.