Portal Launch Makes Joining Food Security Program Easier and More Transparent – Food and Civil Supplies Minister

Over 88% of People Linked to Food Security Have Completed E-KYC
8.38 Lakh Ineligible People Opt Out of Food Security under ‘Give Up’ Campaign

Jaipur – Food and Civil Supplies Minister Shri Sumit Godara stated that connecting marginalized and deprived sections of society to the food security scheme is the top priority of Chief Minister Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma. During a press briefing at the Secretariat on Wednesday, Shri Godara mentioned that over the past year, the state government has connected 13 lakh people to the food security program, including over 1.60 lakh specially-abled individuals. He emphasized that, following instructions from Chief Minister Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma, the department is actively working to ensure food security for those previously excluded from the scheme. On January 26, the Chief Minister relaunched the Food Security Portal.

Shri Godara explained that 9 lakh pending applications for joining food security are being processed quickly to ensure that eligible individuals are included in the program. To ensure transparency in the process, random checks will be conducted on approved applications. Additionally, in the future, District Collectors will be given special appeal powers to further ensure the inclusion of families excluded from the NFSA (National Food Security Act).

Easier and Transparent Food Security Application Process via Portal

Shri Godara praised the Food Security Portal launched by the Chief Minister, which has streamlined the process of joining the Food Security Act by making it more transparent and accessible. Applications can now be submitted directly or through e-Mitra centers. To maintain the integrity of the process, a three-tier verification system will be followed. Once submitted, applications will be reviewed online by the Appeals Officer, who will forward them to the Urban Local Body Executive Officers/Commissioners for urban areas and Block Development Officers for rural areas.

Based on the reports from the verification committee, cases will be sent back to the Appeals Officer for a clear recommendation. Ultimately, a decision will be made regarding the inclusion or exclusion of applicants from the National Food Security Scheme. Shri Godara added that the department is receiving continuous applications through the portal, and under the new guidelines, all applications are being processed within one month. The e-Mitra centers charge a fee of ₹50 for submitting applications, and complaints regarding overcharging or any corruption can be reported to the helpline number 1800-180-6030.

88% of People Have Completed E-KYC for Food Security

Shri Godara stated that, in line with Chief Minister Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma’s directions, the e-KYC process has been successfully carried out for over 88% of food security beneficiaries. He further mentioned that elderly individuals above 70 years and children below 10 years have been exempted from the e-KYC process for sensitivity reasons.

8.38 Lakh Ineligible People Opt Out of Food Security under ‘Give Up’ Campaign

Shri Godara revealed that under the ‘Give Up Campaign’, over 8.38 lakh individuals have voluntarily removed their names from the food security list. The campaign, which will continue until February 28, allows individuals who have moved above the poverty line to opt out, enabling the government to allocate food security to more deserving individuals. He appealed to eligible individuals still in the food security list to voluntarily remove their names. Those who do not remove their names will have their ineligible status identified, and necessary action will be taken. To avoid recovery or penalties, ineligible individuals are encouraged to remove their names from the list.

Families Under Certain Categories Are Ineligible for Food Security

According to the guidelines issued by the Food and Civil Supplies Department, the following categories of families are ineligible for food security:

• Families with any member who pays income tax
• Families with any member employed in a regular position in government, semi-government, or autonomous institutions
• Families with members receiving an annual pension of over ₹1 lakh
• Families owning a four-wheeled vehicle (excluding tractors and one commercial vehicle)
• Families owning agricultural land exceeding the prescribed limit for small farmers
• Families with a total annual income above ₹1 lakh
• Families owning a concrete house larger than 2000 sq. ft in rural areas or 1000 sq. ft in urban areas or 1500 sq. ft in municipal areas (excluding slum areas)