Exhort depot holders to pull up their socks
Next review to be done after one week, zero tolerance towards non performers
Chandigarh, July 8:
Terming the speedy completion of the e-KYC as of utmost significance with a view to ensure that the eligible beneficiaries continue to receive the free ration (Wheat), the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak today gave strict directions to the District Food Supply Controllers (DFSCs) to complete the process in their respective jurisdictions on war footing.
In a review meeting with the DFSCs through Video Conferencing, the Minister was apprised that out of the total 1.57 Crore beneficiaries in the State, the e-KYC process has been completed with regard to the 1.25 Crore beneficiaries (1,25,55,621). The last date to complete the process was June 30th, 2025 but despite best efforts still there are many beneficiaries with regard to whom the e-KYC has not been done.
Taking strong notice of this, the Minister revealed that all out efforts are being made to get the Government of India (GoI) extend the deadline further to August 31st, 2025. He exhorted the DFSCs to accelerate the e-KYC completion mechanism, identify the worst performing depot holders and warn such depot holders that strong action would be taken against them and their depots would be cancelled if of any negligence is detected in this regard. The process must be fully completed in the July-August-September circle, said Mr. Kataruchak.
Directing the DFSCs to give final push to the initiative, Mr. Kataruchak said that it should be kept in mind that no eligible beneficiary should be left behind and the next review of the process would be held 1 week later and there would be zero tolerance towards the non-performers.
It is noteworthy that e-KYC is a digital method to verify the identity and address of the beneficiary primarily using the Aadhaar Card Number and the Biometrics for authentication. The wheat to eligible beneficiaries is distributed under Public Distribution System (PDS) in 2 categories. Under Antyodaya Ann Yojna (AAY), 35 Kg of Wheat is given on per family and per month basis while under the Priority Households (PHH) category, 5 Kg Wheat on per person per month basis is provided free of cost under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013.
Among others present on the occasion included the Principal Secretary Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Rahul Tiwari, Director Varinder Kumar Sharma, Additional Secretary PUNGRAIN Kamal Kumar Garg and Additional Director Dr. Anjuman Bhaskar.
