Ration Card eKYC: Why This Process is Mandatory
The government has made electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) mandatory for all ration card holders to ensure transparency in the public distribution system. This process helps in identifying eligible beneficiaries and removing ghost or inactive units from the system. Every member listed on the ration card must complete their verification to continue receiving subsidized food grains.
Previously, beneficiaries had to visit local fair-price shops and use biometric machines for fingerprint matching, which often caused inconvenience for senior citizens and migrants. Now, the government has introduced a digital alternative allowing citizens to complete the entire verification procedure from their smartphones without stepping out of their houses.
Required Apps for Home-Based eKYC
To complete the verification process independently, users need to download two specific applications from the Google Play Store. The first application is named 'Mera eKYC', and the second required app is 'Aadhaar Face RD'. Both applications are officially designed to facilitate biometric and facial authentication securely through UIDAI guidelines.
This digital initiative especially benefits individuals living away from their hometowns for work or education, enabling them to update their ration card details remotely and prevent their units from getting cancelled due to pending verification deadlines set by respective state governments.
Step-by-Step Guide to Use Mera eKYC App
Open the 'Mera eKYC' app on your smartphone and select your respective state and district. Enter the Aadhaar number of the family member whose verification is pending. Once entered, an OTP will be sent to the mobile number registered with their Aadhaar card. After submitting the OTP, the app initiates the face verification process.
During face authentication, stand in a well-lit area and keep your face inside the designated circle on the screen. Blinking your eyes when prompted helps the system complete the live scan. Upon successful matching, a confirmation message appears on the screen, indicating that the eKYC has been successfully completed.
