Odisha Completes Aadhaar e-KYC for Over 2.69 Crore PDS Beneficiaries

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has successfully completed the Aadhaar e-KYC verification process for 2,69,23,830 beneficiaries under the Public Distribution System (PDS), announced Krushna Chandra Patra, Minister of Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare, in the Odisha Assembly on Wednesday. The verification covers a substantial portion of the state’s total 3,36,35,918 PDS beneficiaries.

In a written response to a query by Bhograi MLA Goutam Buddha Das, the Minister stated that the process is being conducted in adherence to directives issued by the Supreme Court. However, verification for 67,21,299 beneficiaries remains pending, with district-wise data already detailed and under review.

The verification process aims to ensure that PDS benefits reach the intended recipients. As part of this effort, the government is identifying and removing deceased beneficiaries from the system. Vacancies resulting from these exclusions will be filled by issuing new ration cards to eligible applicants, thereby streamlining the distribution process and ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently.

The Aadhaar e-KYC initiative is a key step towards enhancing transparency and reducing leakages in the PDS. Minister Patra emphasized that the ongoing verification process will further strengthen Odisha’s commitment to equitable and effective food distribution.