Ludhiana depot holders demand payment for KYC process

Ration depot holders in Ludhiana are asking for payment to carry out the know your customer (KYC) process for ration beneficiaries. This request comes after the Union ministry of consumer affairs ordered a door-to-door eKYC campaign for verification, with a deadline set for March 31, 2025. Depot holders argue that their current commission of ₹ 90 per quintal does not cover costs, especially for electricity used by biometric and ePoS machines. Roshan Lal, president of the NFSA depot holders welfare association, stressed the need for financial support, saying, "We are not government employees, yet we are being assigned additional tasks without any remuneration." Karamjit Singh Arechha from the All India Fair Price Shop Dealers Federation mentioned that the state government pays less than the central government’s set standard, which is ₹ 143 per quintal. Depot holders plan to hold a nationwide meeting in New Delhi on March 28 to discuss their concerns and demands. As part of the KYC campaign, provisions have been made to help elderly individuals and those with disabilities during the verification process. Depot holders are expected to assist state officials using mobile ePoS devices. However, they feel this adds more responsibilities without economic support. Charanjit Singh, a ration depot holder, expressed frustration over the added burden, saying the government shifts responsibilities without providing necessary resources. In response, district food supplies controller Sartaaj Singh Cheema noted that the electricity used for verification is minimal and suggested that depot holders should verify during ration distribution to avoid extra hassle.