Bhubaneswar, December 4:The Odisha government has extended the deadline for completing the state-wide e-KYC verification under the Public Distribution System (PDS) to December 31, 2025, as announced by Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra.

This initiative, aimed at improving transparency and eliminating ineligible beneficiaries, was launched as part of a broader effort to streamline the PDS. Since its launch, over 6.95 lakh "ghost" ration cards—those linked to deceased individuals—have already been identified and canceled.

Minister Patra emphasized that the drive, introduced shortly after the BJP assumed power in the state 17 months ago, seeks to ensure the fair distribution of rations. Despite the challenges faced in remote areas, where weak internet connectivity has hindered the verification process, the state government is committed to meeting the target.

Odisha currently has 3.28 crore beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and an additional 6.48 lakh beneficiaries under the State Food Security Scheme (SFSS). The extension of the deadline to December 31 aims to ensure that the e-KYC verification process is completed smoothly across the state.