According to officials of the Food Department, the verification was carried out between January 1 and December 31, 2025, to ensure that benefits under the public distribution system reach only eligible households. The process revealed that several beneficiaries failed to meet eligibility criteria, while others were availing the scheme despite being financially well-off or holding government jobs.
Officials said the largest number of deletions occurred after beneficiaries voluntarily surrendered their ration cards. A total of 6,187 members opted out during the verification process. Other major reasons for removal included the death of the family head, permanent migration to other locations, and beneficiaries no longer residing at the registered address.
The verification also flagged cases where households owned property or land beyond the permissible limit, had income levels exceeding the prescribed threshold, or failed to provide valid proof of eligibility. In several instances, individuals paying Goods and Services Tax (GST) exceeding ₹25 lakh annually were found listed as ration card holders. Government employees who were drawing salaries but still availing subsidised food grains were also removed from the list.
Food Department officials stated that names were also deleted where eligibility documents could not be verified. Cases involving duplicate ration cards, ownership of three- or four-wheeler vehicles, and discrepancies related to joint family status were among other grounds for deletion.
The drive has led to increased footfall at Food Department offices across the district. Many residents whose names were removed cited incomplete Aadhaar linkage or failure to update e-KYC details as the primary reason. In some cases, the non-updation of e-KYC for even a single family member resulted in the suspension of ration supply for the entire household.
District officials acknowledged that e-KYC compliance has emerged as a major challenge, particularly for migrant families and those unaware of procedural requirements. They clarified that beneficiaries who believe they were wrongly excluded can reapply after submitting valid documents and completing mandatory e-KYC.
The administration said awareness campaigns are being conducted through fair price shops and local media to encourage timely Aadhaar updates and verification. Officials maintained that the exercise is intended to strengthen transparency and ensure that subsidised food grains are delivered exclusively to genuinely eligible and needy families.
