In a major overhaul of the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), the Central Government has issued an amendment to the Control Order, 2025. In Amendment government introducing strict new guidelines for ration card verification and eligibility.
Currently, there are 23 crore active ration cards in the country. As over 25 lakh suspected duplicates Ration Card identified.
According to the July 22 notification, any individual who fails to collect food grains for six consecutive months under the Public Distribution System (PDS) will have their ration card deactivated. Affected individuals will then undergo door-to-door verification and must complete mandatory e-KYC within three months to determine continued eligibility.
Whose Ration Card will be Cancelled
The move is expected to affect beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) as well —
- Including those who haven’t been collecting free ration recently.
- Officials estimate that 7% to 18% of Ration cards could be cancelled, with over 25 lakh suspected duplicates already identified. There Ration Card to be cancelled.
Important Point of amendment New Rules of Ration Card?
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has directed all states to enforce the rules strictly and ensure that ineligible or fake beneficiaries are removed from the system. Key changes include:
- Ration cards inactive for 6 months to be suspended
- The suspended Ration Card will provide Three-month deadline for verification and e-KYC
- Aadhaar linkage mandatory for children under 5 years
- Suspicious or duplicate cards to be suspended for three months to revalidate their status through documentation and e-KYC
- New ration cards to be issued on a first-come, first-serve basis
- State portals must publish waiting lists
- Eligibility review every five years
- Restrictions are imposed on the issuance of separate ration cards to individuals under 18 years of age
Why e-KYC Is Critical Now
The government is pushing e-KYC as a means to plug loopholes that allowed fraudulent ration withdrawals, including in the names of deceased individuals or through forged identities. By linking Aadhaar details of all family members to ration cards, the aim is to ensure only genuine beneficiaries receive government assistance.
If you or your family haven’t collected ration in the last six months, your card could be at risk. Completing e-KYC within three months is now crucial to avoid cancellation. Keep track of updates from your state’s food and civil supplies department to stay eligible.