Editorial Disclaimer: Smart Update24 verifies information through official websites, government notifications, and trusted sources before publication. Our team also conducts independent research and analysis to provide accurate information to readers; however, users are advised to verify important details from the respective official websites for final confirmation.
WB Ration Card New Rule 2026: The state government’s directive regarding biometric identity verification in the ration system is set to change. Although an order issued by West Bengal Food Secretary Jagdish Meena made iris scanning mandatory for availing rations, the Union Food Secretary has declared this decision invalid.
A major development has emerged regarding the ration distribution system in West Bengal. The Union Government has objected to the state government’s decision to make iris-scanning compulsory for collecting subsidized food grains under the Public Distribution System (PDS).
According to officials, the Centre has clarified that iris scanning cannot be made mandatory under the Aadhaar-based authentication process and has directed the West Bengal government to withdraw the order.
The clarification comes as millions of ration card holders across the state depend on the Public Distribution System for their monthly food supplies.
WB Ration Card New Rule: What Was the State Government’s Order?
On July 13, West Bengal Food Secretary Jagdish Meena issued a directive stating that beneficiaries would have to undergo mandatory iris scanning to receive their ration.
The move was aimed at strengthening biometric identity verification and preventing misuse of the ration distribution system.
However, the order immediately raised concerns among fair price shop dealers and beneficiaries, leading to objections from dealer associations.
Centre Rejects Mandatory Iris Scan Rule
On Thursday, the All India Fair Price Shop Dealers’ Federation met the Union Food Secretary and requested intervention against the state’s directive.
Following the meeting, the federation’s All India General Secretary, Vishwambhar Basu, said the Union Food Secretary declared the state government’s order invalid.
According to the federation, the Centre has instructed the West Bengal Food and Supplies Department to withdraw the directive, stating that iris authentication cannot be made compulsory for ration distribution.
WB Ration Card New Rule: What Does the Aadhaar Act Say?
The Aadhaar authentication framework already provides multiple methods of identity verification for beneficiaries.
Under the existing rules:
- Fingerprint authentication remains the primary method for biometric verification.
- If fingerprint authentication fails, beneficiaries can be verified using:
- A One-Time Password (OTP), or
- An iris scan.
This means iris scanning is designed as an alternative authentication option, not a compulsory requirement.
Why the Centre Objected
According to the Union Government’s interpretation of the Aadhaar-based authentication rules, beneficiaries should not be denied ration if one form of authentication is unavailable.
Making iris scanning mandatory could create difficulties for many beneficiaries, especially old people, manual labourers with worn fingerprints, or individuals who may face challenges during biometric verification.
The Centre’s objection is based on ensuring that beneficiaries continue to have access to multiple authentication options allowed under the law.
WB Ration Card New Rule: Over 8.67 Crore Beneficiaries Affected
The issue is significant because West Bengal has one of the largest Public Distribution Systems in the country.
According to 2025 official figures:
- Total ration beneficiaries: 86,713,432 (over 8.67 crore people)
- Food grains are distributed under several schemes, including:
- Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY)
- Priority Household (PHH)
- State Priority Household (SPHH)
- Rajya Khadya Suraksha Yojana (RKSY)
Any change in authentication rules could therefore affect millions of households across the state.
Also Read: Lux Cozi Rs.600 Crore Investment in West Bengal at Dankuni | Creates 9,000 Jobs
What This Means for Ration Card Holders
For now, the Centre has made its position clear that iris scanning should not be compulsory for obtaining ration.
Beneficiaries can continue to use the authentication methods permitted under the Aadhaar framework, including fingerprint verification and, where applicable,
However, ration card holders should continue to followOTP or iris authentication if fingerprint verification is unsuccessful. official notifications issued by the West Bengal Food and Supplies Department regarding any revised implementation of the Centre’s direction.
Key Highlights
- The Centre has objected to West Bengal’s order making iris scanning mandatory for ration distribution.
- The Union Food Secretary has reportedly declared the state directive invalid.
- Under Aadhaar rules, fingerprint authentication is the primary method.
- If fingerprints fail, verification can be completed through OTP or iris scan.
- West Bengal has more than 8.67 crore ration beneficiaries.
- The Centre has instructed the state government to withdraw the mandatory iris scan directive.
The Centre’s intervention has brought relief to millions of ration card holders in West Bengal by clarifying that iris scanning cannot be made mandatory for receiving subsidized food grains. While biometric verification remains an essential part of the Public Distribution System, beneficiaries are entitled to the authentication options provided under the Aadhaar framework. The final implementation will depend on the revised instructions issued by the West Bengal Food and Supplies Department following the Centre’s direction.
