Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has extended the deadline for completing mandatory ration card e-KYC verification to October 20, 2026, providing additional time to beneficiaries who were unable to complete the process amid overcrowding at fair-price shops and reported technical issues with the verification system.
The earlier deadline for completing e-KYC for ration card beneficiaries was September 30. The extension comes after reports of long queues, heavy crowds and server-related difficulties at several locations across the State.
The government has urged eligible ration cardholders to use the additional time to complete the verification process rather than wait until the revised deadline.
Over a crore ration cards still pending e-KYC
According to the Daijiworld report, more than one crore ration cards in Karnataka were still pending e-KYC verification before the deadline was extended.
The State has around 2.67 crore beneficiaries covered under the ration card system. Under the applicable central government guidelines, ration card beneficiaries are required to complete e-KYC verification once every five years.
The verification process is intended to ensure that beneficiary details remain updated and that ration cards are linked to the required identification records.
Officials have advised beneficiaries who have not yet completed the process to make use of the extended period.
Long queues and server issues caused difficulties
The decision to extend the deadline follows difficulties reported at fair-price shops and other verification points.
Beneficiaries in several parts of Karnataka had reportedly faced long queues while attempting to complete e-KYC. Server outages and technical problems also affected the process, leading to delays for people who had travelled to ration shops specifically for verification.
The situation was particularly difficult for people who had to take time away from work or other daily activities to complete the mandatory verification.
The extension is expected to reduce the immediate pressure on ration shops and give authorities additional time to complete the pending verifications.
Mobile-based e-KYC option being considered
The State government has also reportedly been exploring the possibility of allowing beneficiaries to complete e-KYC through a mobile-based system.
According to the report, officials were considering such an option to reduce the need for beneficiaries to visit fair-price shops in person. However, developing and implementing the system was expected to require additional time.
The extension of the deadline to October 20 therefore gives the authorities additional time to address the pending verification and explore alternative methods of completing the process.
Documents beneficiaries should keep ready
Ration cardholders completing the verification process have been advised to keep the necessary documents and details ready.
These include the original Aadhaar cards of family members, the ration card number and an Aadhaar-linked mobile phone number.
Beneficiaries are also advised to keep details of their LPG gas connection ready where required. Caste certificates are required for SC/ST beneficiaries under the applicable verification requirements.
Keeping the required documents available can help beneficiaries avoid repeated visits if additional verification is needed.
Risk of ration card cancellation
The e-KYC process is mandatory under the applicable guidelines. Beneficiaries who fail to complete the verification within the revised deadline could face action against their ration cards, according to the report.
The extension therefore provides an additional window for households that have not yet completed the process.
With a large number of ration cards still awaiting verification, authorities have urged beneficiaries not to postpone the process until the final days of the extended deadline.
Government asks beneficiaries to use extended window
The extension from September 30 to October 20 is aimed at easing the pressure created by the large number of pending verifications.
The government has urged people to use the additional time without panic and complete the process through the designated channels.
The move is also expected to reduce overcrowding at fair-price shops and provide officials with more time to address technical difficulties affecting the verification system.
For ration cardholders, completing e-KYC within the revised deadline remains important to avoid disruption to their ration card benefits.