Ration Card New Rules 2026: Big warning for ration card holders, complete this work by 28th February, otherwise free food grains will be stopped.

News India Live, Digital Desk: Central and state governments have intensified the ‘cleanup’ campaign to bring transparency in the ration card system and remove fake beneficiaries. Under the new rules to be implemented from February 2026, now only eligible families will get the benefits of government schemes. If you do not complete your e-KYC within the prescribed time limit, your name may be struck off from the list.1. E-KYC is now mandatory: Last date is 28 February. The government has made it clear that it is mandatory for every member of the family registered in the ration card to have Aadhaar based e-KYC. Deadline: In many states, its last date has been fixed as 28 February 2026. How to do: Beneficiaries can get biometric verification (thumb impression) done through PoS (e-PoS) machine by visiting their nearest fair price shop (FPS). Effect: If KYC is not done, the ration of the concerned member will be stopped from March 1.2. ‘One Nation One Ration Card’ (ONORC) has become stronger and is good news for migrant labourers. Now wherever you are in the country, you can take ration from your existing ration card. There is no need to make a new application for this, just your Aadhar card should be linked.3. 3 months’ ration together (new provision) In some states, now ration card holders will not need to stand in line at the shop every month. Under the new system, beneficiaries will be able to take ration for 3 months at once. This will include 5 kg of grains (wheat/rice) per person along with additional benefits like pulses, salt and sugar.4. Who will be out of the ration card list? (Exclusion Criteria) The government is identifying ineligible people through ‘smart software’. The card of the following categories of people can be cancelled:Income tax payer: If any member of the family pays income tax.Government job: If someone in the family holds a government post.Property: If you have a plot, flat or four-wheeler (except tractor) larger than 100 square meters.Income limit: If the annual family income is more than the prescribed limit (e.g. more than ₹2-3 lakh).5. Proposal for cash economic assistance (Hybrid Model) According to the new proposals for 2026, the government is now considering giving not only free food grains but also cash assistance (DBT) of ₹ 1,000 to ₹ 2,000 per month. This amount will be sent directly to the Aadhaar linked bank account of the beneficiary so that they can meet other needs like milk, vegetables and medicines. Important instructions for the beneficiaries: Mobile Linking: Keep your mobile number updated with Aadhaar and Ration Card so that you can get SMS alerts. Digital Card: Now you can download your Digital Ration Card from ‘DigiLocker’ or government app, which is as valid as the physical card. Check Status: Check status from time to time to the Fertilizer and Logistics Department of your state. Keep checking your status by visiting the FCS portal.