Rajasthan Revamps Food Security: Over 69 Lakh Added After Verification

In a significant overhaul, Rajasthan has successfully included over 69.5 lakh new beneficiaries to its National Food Security Act (NFSA) list following a widespread verification campaign. The initiative comes in response to Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma's order to ensure that all eligible families receive food security benefits.

The state's large-scale effort involved urging ineligible beneficiaries to 'Give Up' their food security entitlements voluntarily. While approximately 42 lakh individuals relinquished their benefits, around 27 lakh were removed due to incomplete e-KYC processes. This opened up space for new eligible households.

The government has simplified procedures, allowing district collectors authority to approve new entries and facilitating self-deletion via an online portal. Despite some criticisms, officials claim the move will enhance welfare distribution accuracy, with added benefits of related welfare schemes for NFSA beneficiaries.