Bihar Ration Card eKYC Mandatory Before March 31, 2025 – Check Process, Deadline & More
The Bihar government has made eKYC mandatory for all ration card holders. The last date to complete this process is March 31, 2025. If a ration card holder fails to complete their eKYC by the deadline, they will be removed from the ration card list and will not receive subsidized food grains from April 2025.
The district administration has been tasked with ensuring 100% Aadhaar seeding for all ration cardholders. The eKYC process will be conducted free of cost at PDS shops. Dealers will facilitate eKYC at their shops daily between 10 AM and 12 PM. Beneficiaries should complete their eKYC at the earliest to avoid any disruptions in receiving their food supply.
Why Is eKYC Important for Ration Card Holders?
eKYC, or electronic Know Your Customer, is a verification process that ensures that only genuine beneficiaries receive government food subsidies. The Bihar government has implemented this system to eliminate fraudulent ration cards and provide benefits only to eligible individuals.
By linking Aadhaar with ration cards, the government can:
- Verify the identity of beneficiaries to prevent fraud.
- Ensure transparency in food distribution under the Public Distribution System (PDS).
- Eliminate duplicate or fake ration cards used for illegal benefits.
- Improve efficiency in subsidy allocation and prevent misuse.
Who Needs to Complete eKYC?
- Every individual listed in a ration card must complete Aadhaar-based eKYC.
- If a family member does not complete eKYC by March 31, 2025, their name will be removed from the ration card.
- Even if a beneficiary is living in another state, they can complete eKYC from their current location without returning to Bihar.
How to Complete Ration Card eKYC in Bihar?
The Bihar government has provided two ways to complete eKYC:
- Offline eKYC at PDS Shops
- Facial eKYC via Mobile App
Offline eKYC at PDS Shops
- Visit your nearest PDS shop or dealer.
- The eKYC process will be conducted free of charge.
- Daily eKYC timings are from 10 AM to 12 PM.
- Carry your Aadhaar card and ration card.
- The dealer will complete the Aadhaar seeding process via an ePOS machine.
Facial eKYC via Mobile App
Beneficiaries can also complete their eKYC using their smartphones with the government-approved app.
Steps for Facial eKYC:
- Open Google Play Store on your smartphone.
- Search for Mera eKYC or AadhaarFaceRD app.
- Download and install the app.
- Open the app and select Bihar as your state.
- Enter your location details.
- Provide your Aadhaar number.
- Generate OTP and enter it.
- Verify your details and click Accept.
- Select Face eKYC.
- Allow camera access and follow on-screen instructions.
- Blink your eyes as prompted for identity verification.
- Once your photo is captured, the eKYC process will be completed.
What Happens If eKYC Is Not Completed?
- Any member of a ration card who does not complete eKYC before March 31, 2025, will be removed from the ration list.
- They will not receive food grains from April 2025.
- Households failing to update Aadhaar linking may lose their ration card benefits completely.
- If a member is staying outside Bihar, they must complete their eKYC from their current location.
Government’s Plan for Aadhaar Seeding
The Food and Consumer Protection Department of Bihar has issued strict orders for 100% Aadhaar seeding. The administration has given responsibility to:
- District Supply Officers (DSO) and Sub-Divisional Officers (SDO) to monitor the process.
- Marketing Officers (MO) to assist in eKYC implementation at ration shops.
- Dealers and PDS shop owners to complete eKYC at their shops.
The government has also made it clear that eKYC will be free for all beneficiaries, and dealers cannot charge any fees.
Can You Complete eKYC from Another State?
Yes, if a ration cardholder is residing in another state, they do not need to return to Bihar for eKYC. They can visit the nearest PDS shop in their current location and complete eKYC via the ePOS machine.
Alternatively, they can complete their eKYC using the Mera eKYC or AadhaarFaceRD app from their mobile phone.
Why Has Bihar Made eKYC Mandatory?
The government is taking strict action against fake ration cards and illegal beneficiaries. In many cases, ineligible people were found using multiple ration cards or claiming subsidies illegally.
With Aadhaar-based eKYC, the government aims to:
- Remove fake ration cardholders.
- Ensure that only eligible citizens receive food subsidies.
- Prevent corruption and misuse of PDS benefits.
The move will also help in effective implementation of the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme, allowing beneficiaries to access their food quota from anywhere in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the last date for eKYC for ration cards in Bihar?
The last date to complete eKYC is March 31, 2025.
2. What happens if I don’t complete eKYC by the deadline?
If you do not complete eKYC by March 31, 2025, your name will be removed from the ration card, and you will stop receiving subsidized food grains from April 2025.
3. Where can I complete my eKYC?
You can complete eKYC at:
- Your nearest PDS (ration) shop – Free service available from 10 AM to 12 PM daily.
- Online via the Mera eKYC or AadhaarFaceRD mobile app.
4. Can I complete eKYC if I am living outside Bihar?
Yes, you can complete eKYC from anywhere in India using:
- A nearby PDS shop with an ePOS machine.
- The Mera eKYC mobile app for facial recognition.
5. Is there any fee for eKYC?
No, the eKYC process is completely free at PDS shops.
6. How will I know if my eKYC is successful?
Once your details are verified, you will receive a confirmation on your registered mobile number.
The Bihar government has made eKYC mandatory for all ration cardholders before March 31, 2025. Beneficiaries should complete the process at their nearest PDS shop or through the mobile app. Failing to do so will result in the removal of names from the ration list and discontinuation of food supply from April 2025.
