KKN Gurugram Desk | The Indian government has announced a significant extension regarding the deadline for linking Ration Cards with Aadhaar. Initially, the deadline was set for March 31, but now, the government has extended it until June 30, 2025. This decision comes as part of the government’s efforts to streamline the Public Distribution System (PDS) and eliminate fraudulent ration cards. If individuals do not complete the Aadhaar seeding process by the new deadline, their names will be removed from the ration card database. Here’s everything you need to know about this extension and how to link your ration card with Aadhaar.

What is the Ration Card Aadhaar Linking Process?

The Ration Card Aadhaar Linking process involves linking the Aadhaar number of each family member to their ration card. This process is crucial for ensuring the accurate distribution of subsidized food and essential goods under the Public Distribution System (PDS), which is a key initiative of the National Food Security Act (NFSA). By linking Aadhaar with the ration card, the government aims to ensure that only genuine beneficiaries receive the benefits.

Extended Deadline: June 30, 2025

The government has now extended the deadline for linking ration cards with Aadhaar to June 30, 2025, giving beneficiaries an additional three months to complete the process. This extension applies to all individuals who have not yet linked their Aadhaar number with their ration card. The new deadline allows people to complete the required Aadhaar seeding (e-KYC) process without losing their access to government subsidies.

Earlier, the deadline for linking Aadhaar to the ration card was set for March 31, 2025. However, due to a significant number of beneficiaries still not completing the Aadhaar seeding process, the government has extended the deadline. This extension will help more people complete the linking process and continue to receive their entitled food grains under PDS.

Key Points to Know About the Extension:

1. New Deadline: The new deadline for completing the Aadhaar seeding process is June 30, 2025.

2. Action After Deadline: If Aadhaar is not linked to the ration card by June 30, the names of the beneficiaries who have failed to complete the process will be removed from the ration card, and they will no longer be eligible for subsidized food under PDS.

3. Free of Charge: The Aadhaar seeding process is completely free of cost, and beneficiaries can visit any Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) vendor to get it done.

4. Verification Method: Beneficiaries will need to visit their nearest ration shop or Common Service Center (CSC), where they can complete the verification and link their Aadhaar with their ration card.

Why is This Important?

The Aadhaar-Ration Card Linkage is part of the government’s broader effort to improve the efficiency of the Public Distribution System and ensure that the benefits are received by genuine, eligible beneficiaries. By linking Aadhaar with the ration card, the government aims to:

• Eliminate Fake Ration Cards: This linkage will help remove fraudulent and duplicate ration cards, ensuring that only eligible families benefit from the subsidies.

• Reduce Leakages: Linking Aadhaar ensures that food grains and other subsidized items reach the actual beneficiaries, reducing corruption and leakages in the system.

• Enhance Transparency: Aadhaar seeding makes the distribution of benefits more transparent, as it ensures only valid recipients get access to food and other welfare services.

This initiative is in line with the government’s commitment to digitalizing welfare services and ensuring that the benefits reach the right people through direct transfer methods.

How to Link Your Ration Card with Aadhaar:

Linking your ration card with Aadhaar is a simple process. Follow these steps:

1. Visit Your Nearest Ration Shop or Common Service Center (CSC): Go to the nearest ration shop or CSC in your area. These centers are equipped with POS (Point of Sale) machines that will help in linking your Aadhaar with your ration card.

2. Bring Your Documents: You need to carry your Aadhaar card and ration card. Ensure that both documents are available and valid for the process.

3. Verification Process: The staff at the ration shop or CSC will verify your Aadhaar details through biometric verification or OTP-based verification. Once the details are verified, the Aadhaar number will be successfully linked to your ration card.

4. Completion of the Process: After the verification process is completed, you will receive a confirmation that your ration card is now linked to your Aadhaar. You can then continue to receive benefits under the PDS without any issues.

Important Information for Beneficiaries:

1. No Additional Charges: The entire Aadhaar seeding process is free of cost. Beneficiaries should not pay any fees for this service at the ration shops or CSCs.

2. Check Aadhaar Status: Before visiting the ration shop or CSC, make sure that your Aadhaar details are accurate and updated. You can check the status of your Aadhaar seeding by visiting the PDS website or through the Aadhaar Self Service Update Portal.

3. Action After the Deadline: If you do not link your Aadhaar with your ration card before June 30, your name will be removed from the ration card list, and you will no longer be able to access subsidized food. It is important to complete the process before the deadline to avoid losing access to these benefits.

What Will Happen If You Don’t Link Your Aadhaar with the Ration Card?

If beneficiaries fail to complete the Aadhaar seeding process by June 30, 2025, the government will remove their names from the ration card list. As a result, they will no longer be eligible for food grains or other benefits under the Public Distribution System. The goal of this move is to ensure that only those who are genuinely eligible receive these benefits, and to eliminate the misuse of ration cards.

How This Will Help Eliminate Fake Ration Cards:

One of the main reasons for linking Aadhaar with the ration card is to remove fake and duplicate ration cards. There are instances where multiple ration cards are issued to the same family or individual, which leads to misuse of the benefits. By ensuring that each ration card is linked to a unique Aadhaar number, the government can reduce fraud and ensure that only eligible families receive subsidized food grains.

With the deadline extended until June 30, 2025, it is crucial for all eligible beneficiaries to link their Aadhaar card with their ration card as soon as possible. By doing so, you will ensure continued access to subsidized food grains and other benefits under the Public Distribution System. The Aadhaar seeding process is simple, free, and can be completed at any PDS vendor or Common Service Center in your area.

This initiative is a step towards ensuring a more efficient, transparent, and inclusive welfare system that benefits the right people. So, don’t wait until the last moment – visit your nearest ration shop and complete the Aadhaar seeding process before the deadline.