The Andhra Pradesh government has announced a latest update regarding the distribution of new ration cards in the first week of the upcoming month. As part of this, a verification process is currently underway for all ration cardholders across Andhra Pradesh. Following the central government’s directives, the state government plans to cancel approximately 20 lakh ration cards and issue new ones, removing the names of ineligible beneficiaries.
The latest update confirms that the names of ineligible beneficiaries will be completely removed from the ration cards. Additionally, the distribution of ration supplies, which typically starts on the 1st of every month, will now begin from the 25th of the previous month and continue until the 15th of the following month. This means ration distribution will start five days earlier than usual. The government also plans to introduce key changes in the ration distribution process starting next month
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Mandatory e-KYC and Verification Process
The central government has directed all state governments to ensure that ration cardholders link their Aadhaar numbers to prevent corruption in ration distribution. Beneficiaries who have not yet linked their Aadhaar must do so immediately, or their names will be removed from the ration card. Additionally, the names of deceased beneficiaries must be removed monthly, and those found ineligible during verification will also have their ration cards canceled.
Current Status of Ration Cards in Andhra Pradesh
Across Andhra Pradesh, there are 1.46 crore ration cardholders, of which only 1.23 crore have completed e-KYC as per the update issued on the 16th of this month. Over 20 lakh ration cardholders are yet to complete e-KYC, and the deadline for this is the 30th of this month. Only those who complete e-KYC by this date will have their names retained in the ration cards. Starting next month, new ration cards will be issued, and the names of those who haven’t completed e-KYC will be removed.
Issuance of New Ration Cards
If a family has two or three members, only those who have completed e-KYC will be included in the new ration cards and will receive ration supplies. Names of those who haven’t completed e-KYC will either be removed or put on hold. To check if your e-KYC is complete, I’ll explain two methods to verify your status.
Method 1: Checking e-KYC Status via WhatsApp
- The first method uses WhatsApp Governance services, which are free. Send a “Hi” message on WhatsApp, and you’ll get a list of services.
- Select the Civil Supplies Department, then choose the e-KYC status option for ration cards.
- Enter your ration card number, and after submitting, you’ll receive details about the beneficiaries linked to your card and their e-KYC status within a few seconds.
- If the e-KYC is complete, it will show as “Completed.” If it says “e-KYC Pending” or “Complete e-KYC,” you must visit your ration dealer or the local secretariat to complete the biometric verification.
- Completing e-KYC ensures that your name is included in the new smart ration cards to be issued by the Andhra Pradesh government, allowing you to continue receiving ration supplies and access to government schemes.
Method 2: Checking Status Online
To check the status of your new ration card or e-KYC online, use the link provided in the description. Go to the dashboard, select the ePDS (Electronic Public Distribution System) Application Search option, and enter your application ID or grievance ID. If you don’t have these, you can also use your ration card number to check the status.
For example, I will enter my grievance number starting with “T25” (indicating 2025). After entering the captcha and submitting, you’ll see details like member addition status. If it shows “DS Complete” (Digital Signature Complete), it means the verification is finalized and your ration card is approved. If it shows “Member Details” or “Pending Authentication,” your application is still under verification, and e-KYC or biometric authentication is pending.
Ration Distribution Schedule
- The Andhra Pradesh government has updated the ration distribution schedule. From the 1st to the 15th of each month (e.g., June 1st to 15th) ration shops will distribute supplies.
- However, for elderly and disabled beneficiaries, ration will be delivered to their homes from the 26th to the 30th of the previous month to avoid issues.
- This ensures that the 13 lakh elderly and disabled beneficiaries across Andhra Pradesh receive their supplies without hassle.
- Due to complaints about distribution issues, ration dealers have been given the responsibility to deliver supplies to the homes of elderly and disabled beneficiaries during the last five days of the month (26th to 30th).
- From the 1st to the 15th, other beneficiaries can collect their rations from the shops. This system ensures smooth distribution and minimizes problems for both beneficiaries and dealers.
Additional Updates on Ration Supplies
- The Minister for Civil Supplies, Nadendla Manohar, announced that jowar is currently being distributed in some areas.
- Starting next month, ragi will also be distributed in certain regions, with a reduction in rice allocation to accommodate this. This is part of the latest update to diversify ration supplies.
- For those asking when and to whom new ration cards will be issued, the verification process is ongoing.
- Those who have applied and completed the six-step verification, including e-KYC, will have their eligibility checked. Starting next month, new ration cards will be issued, and beneficiaries can check their status online. If there are errors in the card, provisions will be made to correct them.