Panaji: With many ration card holders yet to complete the eKYC process, the central government has introduced a new digital method called Face eKYC allowing people to complete the process from the comfort of their homes. It is especially helpful for those who face difficulties going to fair price shops (FPS) or meeting officials during home visits.
Officials from the Department of Civil Supplies said that many eKYC updates are still pending, and the deadline has been extended several times. “Earlier, the last date for eKYC was April 30. But we have not received any new notice from the Ministry about a new deadline,” an official said.
In the past, the department had sent staff to people’s doorsteps, especially to help senior citizens with eKYC. But many working people could not be present at home during these visits. “People who go to work every day found it hard to visit the FPS or stay at home when officials came,” the official added.
To address this issue, the government has launched a mobile application called Mera KYC which helps users complete their face-based eKYC using only a smartphone. Many ration cardholders in Goa have already used the app successfully.
According to the department, Mera KYC is an android-based app made for ration card holders. It works in states where the face-based method is allowed through the SUB AUA (Authentication User Agency) system.
The app is linked with the UIDAI’s Facial RD (Registered Device) services. People, including migrants, who have ration cards in these states, can use the app to connect their identity to the Public Distribution System (PDS).
Facial authentication is a secure biometric method. It checks if a person’s face matches the face already stored in the system. This is not the same as general facial recognition, which looks for unknown people in a group. Facial authentication only matches one person to their registered face.
For face detection, the app uses sensors to find the person’s face, even in poor lighting or background. For mapping and analysis, it identifies special features like eye shape and facial structure. The encrypted faceprint creation features are turned into a safe digital code called a faceprint. For authentication, the live face is compared with the stored faceprint. If they match, the eKYC is completed successfully. Officials said the new system ensures convenience as users can complete the process at home. Also, the verification takes less than two seconds. Since there is no need to touch anything, it is hygienically safer. For security, all data is encrypted and stored safely to protect user privacy.
The Mera KYC app is designed to ensure that no eligible ration card holder is left out of the public distribution system due to technical or personal challenges, the official added.
