Ration card holders across India are being urged to complete their Aadhaar-based electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) verification before February 28, 2026, to ensure uninterrupted access to free food grains under government welfare schemes. Authorities have issued a clear advisory stating that failure to update e-KYC details within the deadline may result in temporary suspension of ration benefits.

This move is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to improve transparency and strengthen monitoring within the Public Distribution System (PDS), which plays a crucial role in supporting economically weaker sections of society.

Under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), beneficiaries receiving subsidized or free food grains must complete Aadhaar authentication through the e-KYC process. This verification ensures that ration cards are linked to genuine individuals and prevents misuse of government resources.

Officials explained that making e-KYC mandatory will help create a more accurate and reliable database of beneficiaries. Aadhaar verification allows authorities to identify and eliminate duplicate, inactive, or fake ration cards that may have been improperly included in the system.

By enforcing e-KYC compliance, the government aims to ensure that food subsidies reach only those who truly need assistance.

The e-KYC initiative has been introduced to enhance the efficiency and accountability of ration distribution. Its primary goals include:

• Improving transparency in the Public Distribution System
• Removing duplicate and fraudulent beneficiaries
• Ensuring deserving families continue receiving benefits
• Strengthening digital tracking and monitoring of ration distribution
• Preventing misuse and leakage of subsidized food grains

Officials believe that once Aadhaar authentication is completed for all beneficiaries, the system will become more efficient, fair, and trustworthy.

Beneficiaries who fail to complete their e-KYC before February 28, 2026, may face disruption in receiving their monthly ration supplies. Authorities have warned that ration distribution may be paused until the verification process is completed.

This could cause serious inconvenience for families that depend heavily on free or subsidized food grains for their daily needs. To avoid such disruptions, beneficiaries are strongly encouraged to complete the process as soon as possible rather than waiting until the last moment.

The government has made the online process simple and accessible. Beneficiaries can follow these steps:

Beneficiaries should ensure that their Aadhaar is linked to an active mobile number to complete the process smoothly.

For individuals who do not have internet access or prefer offline assistance, e-KYC can also be completed at nearby ration shops.

Here’s how the offline process works:

• Visit your nearest ration shop or PDS centre.
• Carry your ration card and Aadhaar cards of all listed family members.
• Provide biometric authentication, such as a fingerprint, using the e-POS device.
• The dealer will update your e-KYC instantly.

This facility ensures that even those in rural areas or without digital access can easily complete the verification.

Government officials have emphasized that completing e-KYC is especially important for beneficiaries under priority and Antyodaya categories. These groups include daily wage earners, landless labourers, and economically disadvantaged families who rely heavily on ration support.

Ensuring their records are properly verified will help prevent interruptions and ensure continuous access to essential food supplies.

With the deadline fast approaching, officials are urging ration card holders to act promptly. Delaying the process could result in long queues at ration shops or technical issues due to heavy online traffic.

Completing e-KYC now will help beneficiaries avoid unnecessary inconvenience and ensure uninterrupted access to government food assistance.

Taking timely action will ensure continued support and strengthen the overall efficiency and fairness of the ration distribution system.