3-Month Deadline Issued for Aadhaar-Based Verification
In a major move to ensure transparency and accountability in the implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), the Odisha government has launched a state-wide mandatory e-KYC verification campaign. The directive, spearheaded by Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Narayan Naik, mandates all MGNREGA job cardholders to complete Aadhaar-based biometric authentication within three months or risk losing their employment cards.
Aimed at Eliminating Phoney Job Cards
Announced on Friday, the government’s initiative targets the growing issue of fraudulent job cards that have been surfacing in the MGNREGA scheme. Minister Naik made it clear that individuals who fail to complete the e-KYC process will have their job cards deactivated. “This exercise is necessary to ensure the benefits reach the genuine rural workforce,” he said.
Over 2 Lakh Job Cards Issued Last Year, Verification Now Underway
The verification process is already underway across the state. According to the Minister, more than 2 lakh new job cards were issued last year to eligible individuals. However, rising concerns over fake beneficiaries have prompted the state to implement the biometric e-KYC system to validate the authenticity of all cardholders.
Accountability for Past Irregularities
Naik emphasized that the government is also looking into the role of previous administrations in enabling the issuance of fake job cards. “Those responsible for circulating fraudulent cards in the past must be held accountable,” he added. The crackdown aims to redirect resources to those genuinely entitled to 100 days of wage employment annually under the MGNREGA scheme.
Odisha Ranks Second in India for Fake Job Cards
According to official data, Odisha recorded 7,566 fake job cards in the fiscal year 2024–25—second only to Bihar. The government now seeks to reverse this trend through stricter enforcement and a digitized verification mechanism.
Opposition Blames BJP for Surge in Fake Cards
The opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has criticized the ruling BJP-led state government, alleging that the proliferation of fake cards has escalated under their administration. They argue that the government lacks effective control over departments, allowing for systemic loopholes to persist.
Concerns Over Exclusion of Migrant Workers
While the e-KYC drive aims to curb fraud, critics have raised concerns about its accessibility—particularly for migrant labourers. Many are unable to complete the process due to lack of awareness, poor digital infrastructure, or being away from home districts during the authentication period. Activists warn that genuine beneficiaries may be excluded if targeted outreach efforts are not intensified.
Call for Inclusive and Transparent Implementation
The mandatory e-KYC campaign underscores Odisha’s intent to clean up the MGNREGA system, but experts stress the importance of a well-executed outreach strategy. Without it, the initiative risks sidelining the very people it is meant to support—rural poor and migrant workers who depend on these employment guarantees for survival.