Complete e-KYC process on war footing: Kataruchak to officials

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The North News

Chandigarh, July 8

Punjab Food and Civil Supplies Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak on Tuesday directed District Food Supply Controllers (DFSCs) to complete the e-KYC process for ration beneficiaries on a war footing, warning of strict action against non-performing depot holders. In a high-level review meeting conducted through video conferencing, Kataruchak expressed concern that despite the June 30 deadline, over 30 lakh beneficiaries were still pending e-KYC verification. Of the 1.57 crore registered beneficiaries in Punjab, 1.25 crore (1,25,55,621) have completed the process so far.

The minister said the state government is pressing the Centre to extend the deadline to  August 31, but officials must not wait for confirmation and instead complete the work within the current July–September quarter. “There will be zero tolerance towards non-performers,” said Kataruchak, who ordered DFSCs to identify underperforming depot holders and warned of cancellations in cases of negligence. “Every eligible beneficiary must be covered.”

Under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), wheat is distributed free through the Public Distribution System (PDS). Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families receive 35 kg per family per month, while Priority Households (PHH) get 5 kg per person monthly. The e-KYC process, which uses Aadhaar-based biometric verification, is essential for continued access to these benefits. The next review will be held in one week.

Principal Secretary Rahul Tiwari, Director Varinder Kumar Sharma, Additional Secretary PUNGRAIN Kamal Kumar Garg, and Additional Director Dr. Anjuman Bhaskar also attended the meeting.