17.85 lakh ration cardholders in Kerala may stop receiving food grains from next month; Union ministry orders strict action

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has directed states to temporarily freeze ration cards of beneficiaries who have not purchased food grains from ration shops for six consecutive months. In Kerala, an average of 17.65 lakh people do not collect their monthly ration quota. Steps to identify such inactive or “silent” cardholders are expected to be intensified soon. Consumers have been advised to complete their e-KYC urgently to ensure that their ration benefits are not disrupted.

The move is aimed at identifying people who obtained ration cards mainly to access benefits under government schemes such as Ayushman Bharat but do not purchase ration. The Union Food Ministry has issued specific directions to state governments in this regard. Once the cards of those who have not purchased ration for six consecutive months are temporarily deactivated, they will not be able to receive free or subsidised food grains from ration shops from October 1.

However, the ration cards will not be cancelled permanently at this stage. They will only be temporarily frozen, and services through ration shops will be suspended. As the government is also seeking to eliminate fake beneficiaries who use ration cards for other purposes, cards could be permanently cancelled if the required e-KYC is not completed within the stipulated period.

In Kerala, the majority of beneficiaries in the priority categories, including yellow and pink cardholders, have already completed the mandatory verification. Those who still have any pending e-KYC updates on their ration cards should complete them directly through their ration shops.