Politics · India Bureau
Fair Price Shops To Accept Biometrics, Family Card Numbers Instead Of Physical Cards
India is simplifying access to subsidized essential commodities at fair price shops by allowing purchases through biometric authentication and family card numbers, eliminating the need for physical ration cards. The move aims to reduce barriers to obtaining basic food items for eligible households.
LSN India ·
Citizens can now purchase essential commodities from fair price shops by providing their family card number and biometric data, without the requirement to produce original smart cards, according to an announcement by the Minister for Food and Civil Supplies.
The initiative represents a significant shift in how subsidized goods are distributed across the country's public distribution system. By leveraging biometric authentication technology alongside family card identification numbers, authorities are streamlining the process for accessing foodgrains and other essential items.
The measure addresses practical challenges faced by beneficiaries who may misplace or damage their physical ration cards. Officials expect the new system to reduce administrative friction and improve access to price-controlled commodities for eligible households.
The announcement comes as state governments continue modernizing their public distribution networks. Implementation of the system will require fair price shop operators to be equipped with biometric devices and access to digital family card databases.