The Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department of Tripura has made significant progress in digitizing ration cards and completing Aadhaar-based e-KYC verification, strengthening transparency in the Public Distribution System (PDS).
Replying to a query raised by MLA Sudip Roy Barman in the Legislative Assembly, Minister Sushanta Chowdhury informed that 4.87 lakh ration cards have already completed Aadhaar e-KYC verification. Digital ration cards have also been distributed to beneficiaries through fair price shops, marking a major step toward a fully digitized system.
The process is being implemented in accordance with the Union Government’s directive, which mandates Aadhaar-based e-KYC for all members listed under the PDS. While a large portion of the work has been completed, the remaining 5.01 lakh ration cards are still under verification. Of these, 84,152 cards have successfully completed the e-KYC process so far.
The minister attributed delays to practical challenges such as beneficiaries working outside the state or relocating to different areas. To address this, the government has launched awareness campaigns at multiple levels, involving local representatives to motivate households to complete the verification process. Chowdhury expressed confidence that the remaining work will be completed within the next few months.
Highlighting the impact of digitization, the minister noted that the Aadhaar linkage and data verification exercise has helped eliminate irregularities. In 2018, around 62,000 fake ration cards were identified and cancelled during the verification drive, ensuring a more accurate and reliable database.
At present, nearly 100 percent of ration cards are linked with Aadhaar at the household level, with 95 percent coverage of individual members. With at least one verified member per card, the government asserts that no fake ration cards currently exist in the system.
The state believes that complete digitization under the National Food Security Act will enhance accountability, curb misuse, and ensure that subsidized food grains reach genuine beneficiaries efficiently across Tripura.
