Punjab mandates e-KYC for new ration cards under NFSA

Punjab Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department has made e-KYC mandatory for all new ration cards. This process covers 1.35 crore people between June 2024 and June 2026. Under the National Food Security Act, 39.74 lakh ration cards are covered, serving 1.36 crore people through 14,450 Fair Price Shops. People can check their Punjab Smart Ration Card Scheme details online.

Scheme benefits and distribution

Priority Household families get 5 kg of wheat per person monthly, while Antyodya Ann Yojana families get 35 kg of wheat per month. Ration is given every three months. Meri Rasoi scheme distributed about 36.72 lakh kits in May 2026. Distribution for the second quarter, from July to September 2026, started on 8 August 2026. Each kit has 2 kg of lentils, 2 kg of sugar, 1 kg of salt, 200 grams of turmeric powder, and 1 litre of mustard oil.

Technological updates

The department uses the FEAST portal for supply chain management and requires biometric authentication on e-PoS machines for all wheat distribution. There are plans to set up a central command and control center for the Punjab State Food Commission. This will collect feedback from people through an IVR system and SMS, similar to the Punjab Doorstep Ration Delivery Scheme.