Alternative arrangements, including nominee and OTP-based authentication, available in case of biometric difficulties
Fingerprint mismatch alone does not mean a beneficiary will be denied ration, food department clarifies
Raipur, October 26, 2026/ Eligible beneficiaries under the Public Distribution System (PDS) can access ration through alternative arrangements even if their fingerprints fail to match during biometric authentication. Elderly beneficiaries and others facing difficulties with biometric verification can receive their ration through a designated nominee or OTP-based authentication, as permitted under the prescribed rules. The Food Department has clarified that a fingerprint mismatch alone does not mean a beneficiary cannot receive ration.
Issuing a clarification on the matter, the Food Controller of Raipur district said alternative arrangements have been provided under the Public Distribution System to facilitate beneficiaries. If an eligible beneficiary’s fingerprint does not match on the biometric device, they may be able to obtain ration through other approved methods. These provisions are particularly important for elderly people and those who face difficulties with biometric authentication.
The Food Controller said reports suggesting that elderly and other eligible beneficiaries are denied ration because their fingerprints do not match are misleading and incomplete. Alternative arrangements are already in place to address such situations under the Public Distribution System.
The Food Controller stressed the importance of making people aware of these provisions to prevent confusion. In such cases, beneficiaries may be able to collect their ration through a designated nominee or OTP-based authentication, in accordance with the applicable rules. Therefore, a fingerprint mismatch alone should not be taken to mean that an eligible beneficiary cannot receive ration.
