The Odisha government is preparing to suspend the ration cards of approximately 20.58 lakh individuals who have not completed their e-KYC verification. Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra announced this decision, stating that the deadline for e-KYC verification was June 30th. The e-KYC drive was initiated in August 2024 to remove ineligible and deceased beneficiaries from both national and state food security programs. The deadline had been extended multiple times previously. During the next three months, the affected beneficiaries’ rice quotas will be withheld to ensure only eligible individuals access the fair price shops. Those who complete their e-KYC during this period will have their ration cards renewed. Cards will be deactivated for those who fail to update their information. Over 3.25 crore people in the state are beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), and an additional 6.48 lakh are covered by the State Food Security Scheme (SFSS). Additionally, the government has procured 19 lakh metric tonnes of paddy during the Rabi crop season, surpassing the 12 lakh MT procured in the previous Rabi season. Paddy procurement will continue for farmers who have obtained tokens and brought their produce to the mandis.
