The Directorate of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs has asked all ration card beneficiaries in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to urgently update and correct their personal details after a review of the Smart PDS 2.0 database revealed widespread gaps and inaccuracies in existing records.
According to the Directorate, a large number of ration cards currently registered on the Smart PDS 2.0 system do not contain complete or accurate information. Missing or incorrect entries include full residential addresses with pin codes, mobile numbers, village or ward numbers, tehsil and district details, as well as other mandatory fields required for verification and processing.
Officials said these deficiencies are creating hurdles in the verification, approval and processing of ration card-related services. In several cases, incomplete data has delayed services such as updation and correction of records, and could potentially lead to complications in beneficiary status if not addressed in time.
To streamline the functioning of the Public Distribution System and ensure timely delivery of services, all ration card beneficiaries have been advised to mandatorily update or correct their details through the self-service online facility available on the official Smart PDS 2.0 portal at an.smartpds.nic.in. Beneficiaries are required to carefully fill in all mandatory fields while submitting applications for updation or correction.
The Directorate stressed that accurate and complete information is essential for maintaining transparent and efficient records under Smart PDS 2.0, which has been implemented to modernise the ration distribution system and improve service delivery to eligible households.
Fair Price Shop owners across the islands have also been instructed to play an active role in this exercise. FPS owners are expected to inform their respective ration card beneficiaries about the need for updating details, guide them on mandatory requirements and assist them, wherever required, in applying online for corrections or updates through the Smart PDS 2.0 platform.
For beneficiaries who may face difficulty accessing the online portal, alternative arrangements have been made. Ration card holders can approach the Directorate of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs at Sri Vijaya Puram, Room No. 24, or visit their respective supply units to apply for updation or correction of ration card details. Officials said these offices will facilitate the process to ensure no eligible beneficiary is left out due to technical or accessibility issues.
The Department has appealed to all ration card beneficiaries to extend their cooperation by promptly verifying and updating their records. Maintaining accurate data, officials noted, is crucial not only for avoiding administrative delays but also for safeguarding beneficiaries from potential issues related to eligibility and service continuity.
The Directorate reiterated that the exercise is aimed at strengthening the efficiency and transparency of the Public Distribution System, ensuring that benefits reach the intended recipients without disruption.
For further information or assistance, beneficiaries have been asked to contact the toll-free helpline at 03192-230337.
