EKYC must for ration card holders: JC

Kakinada: East Godavari Joint Collector Dr G Lakshmisha stated that 'Electronic Know Your Customer (EKYC) is mandatory for white ration card holders for updating their PDS cards. In a press release, JC informed that in several white cards only the photograph of head of the family has been printed.

Under EKYC, all the family members above five years of age should go to the PDS shop and enrol the details of family members in the form of finger prints verification. Children below five years are exempted from this verification, the JC clarified.

In this connection, the JC also clarified that the card holders need not go to Mee Seva centers but can get the verification at the PDS shop where they get the monthly rice and other items.

The JC on this occasion clarified that this process has been taken up for purification of ration cards and not for cancellation of existing cards. He also stated that the process should be completed on or before September 5 and the new process will come into force from October 2.

From this date onwards new ration cards will be issued for those who applied for fresh cards. The newly appointed volunteers will verify these and those in correct order will be provided with new ration cards within 72 hours of applying for the same, JC clarified.