Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has extended the deadline for completing the e-KYC process for ration card beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) till January 31.
The extension of deadline is aimed to allow more time to the eligible beneficiaries to complete the process. Earlier scheduled to end on January 15, the extension gives additional time to the beneficiaries, according to Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra.
Stating that around 85 per cent of eligible individuals have already fulfilled their e-KYC requirements, the Minister said that over 50 lakh beneficiaries are yet to begin this essential step.
People receiving aid under the food security scheme are encouraged to complete their e-KYC at their local Electronic Public Service (EPS) outlets or ration distribution centres.
The government urges beneficiaries to swiftly comply with the requirements to continue uninterrupted access to services.
New ration cards will be issued thereafter to all eligible Public Distribution System (PDS) beneficiaries, who have either applied beforehand or who will apply in the future.
Government officials have been instructed to assist with e-KYC procedures both within the state and for Odia residents presently living elsewhere in the country.
Official sources said that government officials recently reached out to some Odia people in Goa and completed the e-KYC.