Bhubaneswar, Oct 14: The Odisha government has announced that from next month, the distribution of rice to beneficiaries who have not completed their eKYC (electronic Know Your Customer) process will be discontinued. Krishna Chandra Patra, the Minister of Food Supply and Consumer Welfare, stated that the central government has halted the eKYC process, prompting the state to take strict measures.

Patra revealed that around 15.67 lakh beneficiaries in the state have yet to complete their eKYC. “There is no more time left. Even now, rice is being sent to those without eKYC, but this will be stopped very soon,” he said. The minister further emphasized that those who fail to complete the eKYC will no longer receive rice rations.

The government has also clarified that if the central government extends the deadline for eKYC, Odisha will follow suit. However, beneficiaries who miss the extended deadline will receive written notices before any further action.

The eKYC process was introduced to identify and weed out fake beneficiaries from the ration system, requiring all ration cardholders and their family members to complete the procedure. Despite the deadline passing, many have yet to comply, prompting the state government to adopt a firm stance on the issue.