Beneficiaries of the Public Distribution System (PDS) across Karnataka can use the ‘Anna Seve’ mobile application to complete their e-KYC process from October 14, allowing them to verify their identity without visiting fair price shops or government offices.

The app, which enables beneficiaries of schemes such as Anna Bhagya to complete e-KYC, was launched by Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Rizwan Arshad on October 1. It has so far been available on a pilot basis in eight districts.

According to the department, 1,60,267 beneficiaries in these districts completed e-KYC through the app between October 1 and 12. The app will now be available in the remaining districts as well.

Developed in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre and the Department of e-Governance, the app can be downloaded from the GooglePlay Store.

The facility is expected to help beneficiaries who migrate to cities and towns for work. Many had to travel to their native villages or visit government offices to complete the verification process. Others had to wait in long queues at fair price shops.

Of the 2,67,64,276 beneficiaries in Karnataka required to complete e-KYC, 2,06,76,278 had completed the process as on October 12. Beneficiaries who completed e-KYC more than a year ago must also repeat the process, according to a release from the department.

With October 20 set as the deadline, Mr. Arshad has urged those yet to complete the verification to use the app and finish the process at the earliest.