Bengaluru fair price shop licence cancelled over illegal e-KYC fees

The Food and Civil Supplies Department has cancelled the licence of Fair Price Shop No. BLS-272 in Bengaluru’s South Zone following allegations of illegal fee collection. An inspection confirmed that the shop secretary collected Rs 500 via PhonePe from a ration card holder to perform e-KYC services.

Beyond the illegal charge, officials identified several other regulatory violations during their inspection. These included the failure to display price lists and stock boards, improper storage of 3.75 quintals of ragi, lack of cleanliness, and failure to maintain inspection books or shop seals. The shop also failed to provide a satisfactory written explanation following a show-cause notice.

Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Rizwan Arshad has warned that any fair price shop owners found collecting money from ration card holders for e-KYC will face immediate licence cancellation and legal action.