800M Ration Card Holders to Use Aadhaar for Food Security Verification

Published Date : 7/2/2025 

The Indian government is digitizing food distribution by verifying 800 million National Food Security Act beneficiaries through Aadhaar and eKYC. This initiative aims to reduce fraud, eliminate duplicates, and ensure accurate access to free foodgrains. Despite progress, some states lag, while critics question the use of biometric systems for vulnerable groups. 

The Indian government is ramping up its efforts to authenticate 800 million beneficiaries of the National Food Security Act (NFSA) using Aadhaar-based eKYC. This initiative, part of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), aims to combat theft, eliminate ineligible recipients, and prevent duplicate enrollments caused by migration, marriage, or other changes. So far, 58 million fake or duplicate ration cards have been canceled, with each card covering an average of four to five people. By leveraging application programme interfaces (APIs), fair price shops (FPS) now conduct eKYC, ensuring that Aadhaar data matches ration card details. n n nTo date, 658 million NFSA beneficiaries—82% of the total 809 million—have completed eKYC. All household heads on ration cards have been verified, and 204 million household ration cards have been linked to Aadhaar. However, progress varies by state. Maharashtra and Haryana trail with 54% and 48% completion rates, while Bihar and Jharkhand report 78% and 74%, respectively. Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat lead at 81%. The central government is collaborating with lagging states to accelerate verification drives. n n nUnder NFSA, 75% of rural and 50% of urban populations are eligible for free foodgrains, with 56-58 million tonnes distributed annually. The government has allocated Rs 2.03 lakh crore (USD 2.37 billion) for food subsidies in FY2026. The One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) initiative allows migrant workers to complete eKYC at local FPS instead of their home states. Additional reforms include digitizing ration cards, linking Aadhaar to all cards, and installing electronic point-of-sale machines at FPS. n n nThe use of face biometrics for welfare schemes has sparked controversy. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized the system, claiming it excludes the poorest and most vulnerable. Union Minister Annapurna Devi defended the move, citing data showing increased access to benefits. She highlighted a rise in first-time beneficiaries from 72.05 lakh in 2019-20 to 80.48 lakh in 2024-25, arguing that technology enhances transparency. From July 1, face biometrics became mandatory for child attendance and ration distribution at Anganwadi centers, with new registrations requiring Aadhaar-based eKYC and photo verification. n n nIn another development, the Ministry of Minority Affairs conducted a biometric authentication drive for the Parsi community under the Jiyo Parsi scheme. This initiative provides financial aid for infertility treatments, support for families, and advocacy for fertility awareness. Of the 148 registered beneficiaries in Mumbai, 100 attended the drive, with 138 new applications received. The Parsis, descendants of Persian Zoroastrians, have seen efforts to expand the scheme’s reach. n n nThe Aadhaar authentication drive underscores India’s push for digital governance. While it aims to streamline welfare distribution, challenges remain in ensuring equitable access. Critics argue that biometric systems may inadvertently exclude marginalized groups, raising questions about the balance between efficiency and inclusivity in public policy. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the main goal of Aadhaar authentication for ration beneficiaries?

A: The primary objective is to reduce fraud, eliminate duplicate or fake ration cards, and ensure accurate distribution of free foodgrains under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).

Q: How many beneficiaries have been verified so far?

A: As of now, 658 million out of 809 million NFSA beneficiaries have completed eKYC, representing 82% of the target.

Q: Which states are lagging in Aadhaar authentication?

A: Maharashtra (54%) and Haryana (48%) have the lowest completion rates, while Bihar (78%) and Jharkhand (74%) show higher progress.

Q: What are the criticisms of biometric authentication?

A: Critics, including Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, argue that face biometrics may exclude the poorest and most vulnerable, despite claims of increased transparency and inclusion.

Q: What is the Jiyo Parsi scheme?

A: The Jiyo Parsi scheme offers financial aid for infertility treatments, family support, and fertility awareness to the Parsi community, with a recent biometric authentication drive to expand its reach. 

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