e-KYC Mandate:

1. Now mandatory state-wide
2. Links biometric data with ration cards
3. Helps weed out duplicates and prevent misuse
4. Smart cards are being blocked for non-compliance

The Andhra Pradesh government has issued a strict warning to ration card holders, cautioning that their cards will be cancelled if they fail to collect rations for three consecutive months or neglect to complete the mandatory e-KYC process. The move comes as part of the state’s broader push to ensure that welfare schemes reach only genuine beneficiaries while eliminating ineligible names from the system.

Officials explained that the government’s decision is rooted in two priorities, plugging leakages in the public distribution system and guaranteeing transparency. “The e-KYC process is now mandatory across the state to streamline the ration distribution system. Those who fail to complete it are already having their smart cards blocked,” said A.Sreenivasarao, Deputy Director, Civil Supplies Department.

The Centre and the state have jointly insisted on e-KYC compliance to bring transparency to the distribution system. The process, which links biometric details with ration cards, helps weed out duplicates and ensures that subsidies directly benefit deserving families.

In addition to the e-KYC requirement, authorities have tightened checks on families who do not claim ration benefits. Those who skip collecting supplies for three consecutive months are now being flagged as ineligible. Officials say the new rules are being enforced rigorously to prevent diversion and misuse of subsidised food grains.

The government’s focus sharpened after a review of statistics from Prakasam district revealed significant discrepancies. Of the total 6,61,141 ration cards in the district, only 5.72 lakh families regularly draw rice every month. Nearly 14 percent of card holders, around 92,000 families, have not been availing their monthly entitlement.

Civil supplies officials have begun gathering data from dealers to identify households that skipped the process. “Smart cards of those who failed to complete e-KYC have already been suspended, and more cancellations will follow if families remain inactive,” Sreenivasarao confirmed.

Meanwhile, preparations are underway in Prakasam district for the final phase of smart ration card distribution under the supervision of the Civil Supplies Department. Around 1.50 lakh applications were received in the district for new cards and for changes in family member details. Officials said the final rollout will not only update records but also strengthen the integrity of the state’s welfare network.

The government has urged card holders to remain vigilant. Beneficiaries are advised to collect their monthly rations without fail and complete e-KYC at the earliest to avoid losing eligibility. “These measures are not punitive but necessary,” officials said. “They are meant to ensure that every grain of rice and every rupee of subsidy reaches those who truly need it.”