The Odisha government on Tuesday announced that free rice under the national and state food security schemes will be discontinued for ration cardholders who have not completed electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) verification from November.

Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra said the decision was taken in line with the Centre’s directive, making e-KYC mandatory for all ration cardholders under the Public Distribution System (PDS).

In an interaction with media persons, the Minister added that more than 15.67 lakh beneficiaries across the state remain unverified despite repeated extensions. He said that while they have been provided rice till October, distribution will stop from next month for those without e-KYC.

The Minister also noted that the state will

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