LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh government has initiated the distribution of free food grains for the October to December quarter under the National Food Security Act. The process, which began on December 10, will continue until December 28. The Food and Logistics Department has issued directives to all districts to ensure smooth operations through fair price shops.
According to officials, the distribution will be conducted strictly through mobile OTP verification. Ration shops will remain open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily, with a scheduled break between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM.
Mandatory e-KYC for Beneficiaries
The department has emphasized that the benefit of free ration will only be extended to cardholders who have completed their electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) process. Beneficiaries who have not yet updated their KYC details will be denied benefits.
It is mandatory for all members listed on a ration card to undergo e-KYC. Failure to do so may result in the suspension of their food grain allocation. Furthermore, names of members who do not complete the process could be removed from the ration card entirely. Officials clarified that if food grains are suspended, beneficiaries can resume receiving rations from the following month only after completing the verification.
Distribution Details and Quantities
Under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013, the state recognizes two categories of ration cards: Antyodaya and Eligible Household (Patra Grihasti).
Antyodaya Cardholders: These beneficiaries are entitled to 35 kilograms of free food grains per card, comprising 14 kg of wheat and 21 kg of fortified rice. Additionally, they will receive 3 kilograms of sugar for the quarter at a subsidized rate of Rs 18 per kg. However, portability does not apply to sugar distribution; beneficiaries must collect it from their original registered shop.
Eligible Household Cardholders: Beneficiaries in this category will receive 5 kilograms of food grains per unit (per person), split into 2 kg of wheat and 3 kg of fortified rice.
In cases where rice is unavailable, maize may be distributed as a substitute along with the standard ration. The administration has urged all eligible citizens to complete their verification promptly to avoid disruptions in supply.
