11,876 ration cards deleted in Nagaland since 2022

KOHIMA — A total of 11,876 ration cards have been deleted or cancelled in Nagaland since 2022, according to data furnished by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution in Lok Sabha.

Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya provided the state-wise details in response to a question on ration cards cancelled or suspended under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, during the last five years.

According to the data, Nagaland recorded no entries in 2021. In 2022, 3,428 ration cards were deleted, followed by 3,177 in 2023. The highest number was recorded in 2024, when 3,924 cards were deleted. In 2025, the figure declined to 1,347.

The ministry also outlined measures under the Public Distribution System (PDS) to ensure eligible beneficiaries are not denied their foodgrain entitlements because of authentication or connectivity-related problems.

Also read: Over 73,000 MGNREGS job cards deleted in Nagaland since 2021 — Centre

Nagaland tax revenue rises to INR 1,597 crore in FY 2025-26

Multiple authentication modes—including single-finger, fusion-finger, iris and Aadhaar-based OTP authentication—have been provided. Where authentication by one household member fails, other eligible members linked to the ration card can authenticate and collect foodgrains, the ministry stated.

A nominee facility is also available in exceptional cases, allowing beneficiaries to authorise another person to lift ration on their behalf. The ministry said e-PoS devices can function offline in areas with limited or no internet connectivity and later synchronise transaction data with the PDS system.

It further advised states and Union Territories that no genuine beneficiary should be denied their entitled quota of subsidised foodgrains because of biometric or Aadhaar authentication failure caused by network, connectivity, linking or other technical issues, or poor biometrics.