Agartala, August 17, 2024: In a significant move aimed at streamlining the Public Distribution System (PDS), the Food Department has announced that Aadhaar e-KYC through fingerprints is now mandatory for all ration card holders. This step is essential to ensure the continuous distribution of ration materials at ration shops across the state.

A notification released by the Food Department today stated, “It is imperative for all ration card holders to complete their Aadhaar e-KYC through fingerprint verification. This measure is necessary to maintain the seamless distribution of ration materials.”

The notification further revealed that the Food Department will soon replace the old paper ration cards with new ones. “We will be issuing new ration cards to replace the existing paper ones. It is crucial that the information of all family members is accurate on the ration card,” the notification added.

However, the department has observed that a significant number of ration card holders have yet to link their Aadhaar to their ration cards. “It is imperative that those who have not yet linked their Aadhaar do so immediately. The list of such consumers is available at their respective ration shops,” the notification emphasized.

The department has set a deadline of September 30th for all ration card holders to visit their respective ration shops and complete the fingerprint scanning process using the e-POS machine. “By September 30th, all ration card holders must visit their designated ration shops and scan their fingerprints in the e-POS machine,” the notification instructed.

Additionally, consumers are urged to verify their ration card details online. “All consumers are requested to scan their ration card numbers on the department’s website and check the accuracy of family members’ names, ages, genders, and addresses,” the notification concluded.

This move is expected to enhance the efficiency and transparency of the Public Distribution System, ensuring that ration materials reach the intended beneficiaries without any hindrance.