Puducherry Makes e-KYC Must for Ration Buyers Under New Digital Rupee Scheme

Exam-Focused Points

• PMGKAY = Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (food security scheme under PDS)

• e-KYC made mandatory in Puducherry from 26 February 2026 for CBDC-based ration purchase

• CBDC = Central Bank Digital Currency (digital form of sovereign currency)

• India’s digital currency = e₹ (issued by RBI)

• Old model replaced = Direct Benefit Transfer (Cash)

• e-wallet validity = 3 months from issue date

• Use limited to = rice and foodgrains at Fair Price Shops and authorised merchants

• No e-KYC? Visit Common Service Centres with Aadhaar + ration card (free service)

• Nationwide rule: e-KYC for all ration card holders every 5 years (Order of 22 July 2025)

• Expansion by June 2026 to: Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu

• Digital coupons generated by = Reserve Bank of India

• CBDC is different from cryptocurrency because central bank issues it