Bhubaneswar: Concern over e-KYC (Electronic Know Your Customer) update for the Public Distribution System (PDS) has sparked discussions across Odisha. The State Government aims to streamline the PDS and include all eligible beneficiaries. However, delays in e-KYC verification have raised questions about the system’s efficiency.
Reports indicate that nearly 15 lakh PDS beneficiaries have yet to complete their e-KYC. This creates ongoing concern over their subsidized food grain benefits under the State Food Security Scheme (SFSS) and National Food Security Act (NFSA). Odisha has 326.41 lakh PDS beneficiaries. There are around 1.56 lakh pending updates in Ganjam, 35,000 in another district, and 8,000 in Deogarh.
Despite repeated government appeals, many beneficiaries have not updated their Aadhaar-linked details. The Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department set several deadlines. Yet, the concern that large numbers from rural and remote areas remain unverified persists.
Multiple factors contribute to the delay: poor internet connectivity, technical glitches, and accessibility issues for older people and persons with disabilities. Some ineligible beneficiaries who previously misused the scheme may also be avoiding e-KYC due to fear of scrutiny. Migrant workers outside the state face additional challenges completing the process, which adds to the overall concern over e-KYC update.
To protect the interests of beneficiaries, the State Government is reviewing the situation and may extend the e-KYC deadline. District administrations have been directed to conduct mass awareness and door-to-door campaigns to help applicants complete verification.
Officials say the government will not immediately suspend free food grain distribution. However, they may temporarily deactivate unverified beneficiaries. Plans are underway to introduce offline verification in areas with poor connectivity. This ensures that no eligible person loses food grain access due to concern over e-KYC delays.
