Important Notice for Ration Card Holders

Ration card holders throughout India need to be aware of a significant update. The government has mandated that all beneficiaries receiving free or subsidized food grains under the National Food Security Act must complete their e-KYC process. Failure to do so by 28 February 2026 could result in the loss of access to government food supplies.

Impact of the e-KYC Mandate

This requirement is applicable across the country and will affect millions of families who rely on the Public Distribution System (PDS) for essential food items. Authorities have issued a stern warning: without timely verification, ration benefits may be halted.

Purpose Behind Mandatory e-KYC

The primary goal of implementing mandatory e-KYC is to ensure that ration benefits are allocated solely to eligible and authentic beneficiaries. Government records have indicated that numerous ineligible or duplicate names persist in ration card databases, hindering deserving families from receiving their rightful benefits.

Through the e-KYC process, the government aims to:

• Eliminate fraudulent and duplicate ration cards


• Identify beneficiaries who are no longer qualified


• Enhance transparency within the ration distribution system


• Link ration cards with Aadhaar for precise identification

By refining the database, officials believe that food security initiatives will operate more effectively and equitably, ensuring timely assistance for impoverished and needy households.

Consequences After 28 February 2026

As per directives from the Food and Consumer Affairs Department, ration card holders who do not complete their e-KYC by the specified deadline may experience a suspension of their ration supplies. This implies that beneficiaries might not receive free or subsidized food grains starting March 2026.

Officials have clarified that this suspension is not permanent. Once the e-KYC is completed, ration benefits can be reinstated. However, delays could lead to unnecessary disruptions, particularly for families that are entirely dependent on government ration programs.

Steps to Complete Ration Card e-KYC Online

Ration card holders can conveniently complete the e-KYC process from home by following these steps:

Visit your state’s official Public Distribution System (PDS) website

Locate the option for “Link Aadhaar with Ration Card” or “e-KYC”

Input your ration card number and Aadhaar number

An OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number

Enter the OTP to finalize the verification process

Once successfully submitted, your e-KYC status will be updated in the system.

Offline e-KYC Process for Ration Card Holders

For those unable to complete the process online, offline options are available. Beneficiaries can visit their nearest fair price shop or ration dealer to finalize their e-KYC.

Documents required for offline e-KYC include:

• Aadhaar cards of all family members


• Biometric verification (fingerprint authentication)

It is crucial to note that no fees are charged for e-KYC. If anyone requests payment for this service, beneficiaries should report it to local authorities immediately.

Importance of Timely e-KYC Completion

With only a week remaining before the deadline, completing e-KYC is urgent. Any delays could lead to temporary suspension of ration supplies, causing inconvenience for households that depend on subsidized food.

The government has consistently urged beneficiaries to complete the process promptly to avoid last-minute rushes, server issues, or delays in biometric verification.

Final Reminder for Ration Card Holders

The deadline of 28 February 2026 is final. Completing e-KYC before this date will guarantee uninterrupted access to free or subsidized ration under food security programs. Whether opting for the online method or visiting a nearby ration shop, ensure your Aadhaar is linked and verification is completed.

Taking timely action will help you continue receiving ration benefits smoothly, without any interruptions in the upcoming months.