In a significant development for ration card holders across the state, the Maharashtra government has extended the deadline for completing the e-KYC (electronic Know Your Customer) process from March 31 to April 30. The extension comes in response to the high number of pending verifications under the National Food Security Scheme (NFSS). The e-KYC process involves linking Aadhaar numbers to ration cards and verifying the accuracy of names listed. Officials have warned that failure to complete the process by the new deadline may lead to deactivation of ration cards, resulting in ineligibility to receive subsidized food grains.
The move aligns with earlier directives from the Supreme Court and the Central Government, which instructed state authorities to complete e-KYC verification for all NFSS beneficiaries. In response, a large-scale e-KYC campaign is being conducted at all fair price shops across the state, with regional and district-level officers tasked with ensuring swift progress.
Originally, March 31 was set as the final deadline after multiple previous extensions. However, with many still unverified, the government has offered one final opportunity to complete the process by April 30. To facilitate faster and easier verification, the National Informatics Centre has launched a mobile application called "Mera KYC", which allows beneficiaries to complete the process digitally. Authorities have urged all eligible individuals to make use of this app and ensure their details are verified on time.
District Supply Officers and Food Grain Distribution Officers have been instructed to monitor and expedite the process weekly to meet the new deadline.