Bihar Cancels 5.57 Lakh Ration Cards After Massive Verification Drive

Brief By Newsbrief / 1:44 PM on 31 May 2026

The Bihar government has cancelled nearly 5.57 lakh ration cards following a large-scale verification drive aimed at ensuring welfare benefits reach only eligible beneficiaries. The exercise was conducted using data from the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists and the Centre’s beneficiary verification campaign.

According to Food and Consumer Protection Minister Ashok Choudhary, around 97.56 percent of the verification process has been completed. Out of 8.19 lakh ration cards identified for scrutiny, approximately 2.59 lakh were found valid and retained, while the rest were cancelled.

Officials cited several reasons for removal from the beneficiary list, including death of cardholders, migration, failure to complete mandatory e-KYC, and ineligibility under prescribed income criteria. The highest number of cancellations reportedly occurred in Patna, Muzaffarpur, Araria, and Bhagalpur districts.

The government has allowed affected individuals to appeal before the concerned Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), while verification efforts will continue across the state.