The Odisha government has announced that free rice under both the national and state food security schemes will be discontinued for ration cardholders who have not completed their electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) verification.
The new rule, effective from November, will impact more than 15.67 lakh beneficiaries across the state. However, those who have completed e-KYC will receive double the quota of rice starting next month.
e-KYC Made Mandatory for Ration Cardholders
Speaking to reporters, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra said the decision follows a directive from the Union government making e-KYC mandatory for all Public Distribution System (PDS) beneficiaries.
He added that despite multiple deadline extensions, over 15 lakh cardholders remain unverified. “They have received their rice entitlement until October. Starting November, only verified beneficiaries will continue to receive free rice,” Patra said.
The minister also mentioned that the state may consider extending the verification deadline if the Centre approves it.
Proposal to Increase Rice Quota for Verified Families
In a relief for verified ration cardholders, the state government is planning to increase the monthly rice quota from 5 kg to 10 kg per person under the PDS from November.
According to The New Indian Express, the Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department will soon send a proposal to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi for his approval.
Minister Patra explained that the decision comes in response to complaints that the existing quota is inadequate. “Beneficiaries have raised concerns about insufficient allocation. The government is reviewing ways to ensure food security for genuine recipients,” he said.
Recent Distribution and Special Allotments
Earlier this year, the state distributed an additional 5 kg of rice per person between August and October to around 27 lakh families across 11 districts. The temporary relief was part of the Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, announced by CM Majhi on Independence Day.
The special allotment cost the state approximately ₹180 crore, highlighting the government’s continued commitment to ensuring food availability for low-income families.
Managing Surplus Rice Stock
Odisha currently has a surplus stock of over 12 lakh tonnes of rice and has sought the Centre’s approval to offload or reallocate the excess.
Despite Chief Minister Majhi’s communication to Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi, the state is yet to receive a response. Officials said that expanding rice distribution for verified beneficiaries could help manage the surplus efficiently while ensuring that welfare benefits reach deserving and verified families.
