e-KYC Mandatory for All Beneficiaries by February 28
Jamshedpur: The district administration has issued a stern warning to ineligible ration card holders, urging them to surrender their cards voluntarily or face strict legal consequences. The crackdown comes as part of an initiative to ensure that benefits under the National Food Security Act are received only by eligible beneficiaries.
The measures outlined by the administration are as follows: Families holding ration cards under the Pre-Vikta Grihastha or Antyodaya Parivar category, but falling under the exclusion criteria set by the government, are required to surrender their cards immediately. If they fail to comply and continue to lift food grains, legal action will be initiated against them.
If any individual falls under the exclusion criteria or has obtained an Antyodaya or Pre-Vikta ration card by providing false information, the following actions will be taken: Cancellation of Ration Card: The card will be immediately cancelled.Criminal Proceedings: Legal action will be initiated against the person. Recovery of Food Grains: The beneficiary will be required to return the food grains taken or repay the value of the grains at the prevailing market rate, with an interest rate of 12% per annum calculated from the date of availing the ration.
Departmental Action: If the beneficiary is employed with the Government of India, State Government, Union Territory, or any autonomous bodies such as universities, municipal corporations, or trusts, additional departmental action will be taken against them.
If food grains have been lifted offline, the accused will be given an opportunity to present their case. The verification process will be completed within 15 days. If found guilty, legal action will be initiated accordingly.
The district administration has also set a target to complete the e-KYC process for all beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act by February 28. Special Division Officer Rahul Anand urged ration cardholders in urban areas to visit their respective PDS (Public Distribution System) operators to complete e-KYC for all family members listed on their ration cards. District Supply Officer Salman Zafar Khijri made a similar appeal to beneficiaries in rural areas.
The administration has made it clear that those who fail to complete the e-KYC process will not be able to lift food grains in the future. The process is mandatory to verify the eligibility of beneficiaries and to ensure transparency in the distribution of food grains.
Special Division Officer Rahul Anand emphasized the importance of the e-KYC process, stating, “It is essential to complete the e-KYC for all family members to continue availing food grains. We have made arrangements with PDS operators to facilitate the process smoothly.”
District Supply Officer Salman Zafar Khijri reiterated the warning to ineligible beneficiaries, stating, “Those who are not eligible should surrender their cards voluntarily to avoid legal consequences. We are committed to maintaining the integrity of the Public Distribution System.”
Yellow ration