ration card: Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), Feb 19: The Odisha government has cancelled over 3.28 lakh ration cards issued in the names of deceased persons following an extensive e-KYC verification process, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra informed the State Assembly on Wednesday.
The Minister revealed that 3,28,932 ghost beneficiaries were availing ration benefits under the Public Distribution System (PDS). Their names have now been deleted from the database to enhance transparency and ensure food security for genuine beneficiaries.
Among districts, Keonjhar had the highest number of 38,550 fake beneficiaries, followed by Ganjam (25,789), Mayurbhanj (23,799), and Rayagada (22,411).
As part of the Aadhaar-based e-KYC verification for 2024-25, a total of 2,99,50,890 PDS beneficiaries have completed the process. Of these, 2,98,14,921 beneficiaries verified their details within Odisha, while 1,35,899 completed it outside the state.
Out of 3,36,35,918 total PDS beneficiaries in Odisha, the verification process has been completed for a majority. The cancelled ration cards will now be allocated to eligible applicants to ensure food security for all deserving families, the Minister stated.
