Karnataka’s Anna Seve app to enable PDS e-KYC statewide from October 14

Beneficiaries under Karnataka’s Public Distribution System (PDS) will be able to complete their e-KYC through the ‘Anna Seve’ mobile application across the State from October 14.

The facility will allow beneficiaries to verify their identity without visiting fair price shops or government offices.

The app is also intended for beneficiaries of schemes such as Anna Bhagya, who are required to complete the e-KYC process.

App expands beyond pilot districts

‘Anna Seve’ was launched by Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Rizwan Arshad on October 1.

It has so far been available on a pilot basis in eight districts.

According to the department, 1,60,267 beneficiaries in those districts completed e-KYC through the app between October 1 and 12.

The application will now be made available in the remaining districts as well, extending the facility to beneficiaries across Karnataka.

The app was developed in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre and the Department of e-Governance.

It can be downloaded from the GooglePlay Store.

Migrant beneficiaries among those expected to benefit

The facility is expected to help beneficiaries who migrate to cities and towns for work.

Many such beneficiaries had earlier needed to travel to their native villages or visit government offices to complete the verification process.

Others had to wait in long queues at fair price shops for the same process.

The app therefore provides an alternative route for completing e-KYC without requiring those visits, according to the department’s account of the facility.

Repeat e-KYC required for some beneficiaries

Of the 2,67,64,276 beneficiaries in Karnataka required to complete e-KYC, 2,06,76,278 had completed the process as on October 12.

Beneficiaries who completed e-KYC more than a year ago must also repeat the process, according to a release from the department.

October 20 has been set as the deadline for completing the verification.

Mr. Arshad has urged beneficiaries who are yet to complete e-KYC to use the app and finish the process at the earliest.

Source: The Hindu