“Over 10 lakh ineligible ration cardholders identified in Uttar Pradesh as the state implements mandatory e-KYC verification to streamline the Public Distribution System. The initiative aims to curb fraud, ensure transparency, and deliver benefits to deserving households, with a deadline set for March 2026.”
UP’s Digital Ration Card Verification Initiative
Mandatory e-KYC Implementation
The Uttar Pradesh government has mandated e-KYC verification for all ration cardholders under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). This Aadhaar-based process requires biometric or OTP authentication to validate identities, aiming to eliminate fake beneficiaries and enhance transparency in the Public Distribution System (PDS). Over 3.57 crore beneficiaries, including Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Priority Household (PHH) cardholders, are targeted.
Crackdown on Ineligible Beneficiaries
A recent probe by the Yogi Adityanath-led government uncovered 10.71 lakh ineligible ration cardholders, including 71,000 women falsely claiming widow status. These cards have been canceled, with authorities now linking cancellations to other social welfare schemes to prevent misuse. The state is pushing for a similar exercise nationwide to ensure fair resource distribution.
Online and Offline Verification Process
Cardholders can complete e-KYC via the state’s PDS portal (fcs.up.gov.in) by entering their ration card number and verifying Aadhaar through OTP or biometrics. Offline options are available at Fair Price Shops (FPS) for those facing technical issues. The process cross-checks demographic data like name, address, and date of birth with the PDS database.
Challenges and Technical Glitches
Users have reported issues with the online portal, including slow performance, frequent crashes, and login errors. Many face delays, with applications pending at the state level for months. The government is urged to address these technical barriers to ensure seamless verification, especially for rural and less tech-savvy beneficiaries.
Deadline and Consequences
The deadline for e-KYC completion is March 31, 2026. Failure to comply may lead to the suspension of ration card benefits, affecting access to subsidized food grains like rice (Rs. 3/kg), wheat (Rs. 2/kg), and coarse grains (Rs. 1/kg). Beneficiaries are advised to verify their status promptly to avoid disruptions.
Impact on Transparency
The e-KYC initiative is part of the One Nation One Ration Card scheme, enabling beneficiaries to access PDS benefits nationwide via Aadhaar authentication at any FPS. By removing fraudulent entries, UP aims to ensure resources reach genuine low-income households, strengthening the state’s food security framework.
How to Check Status
To check ration card status, visit the NFSA portal (nfsa.gov.in) or the UP PDS website. Navigate to ‘Citizen Corner’, select ‘Know Your Ration Card Status’, enter the ration card number, and submit with the captcha code. Accurate details ensure real-time updates on verification progress.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news, official government sources, and reports from credible platforms like The Hindu and NFSA portals. Data is accurate as of September 2, 2025. Readers are advised to verify details through official channels like fcs.up.gov.in or nfsa.gov.in for the latest updates.