Aadhaar number mandatory for availing of govt subsidies and benefits

Under Section 7 of the Aadhaar Act, a person not assigned an Aadhaar number "shall be offered alternative and viable means of identification for delivery of the subsidy, benefit or service"

PVC Aadhar
Representative Image
BS Web Team New Delhi
2 min read Last Updated : Aug 17 2022 | 1:02 AM IST
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has now made it compulsory to have an Aadhaar number on the enrolment slip in order to avail of government subsidies and benefits.

The move was announced by UIDAI on August 11, 2022, in a series of circulars. The circulars, which were marked to all state governments and central ministries, states that "as on June 30, 2022, more than 99% of adult residents of India have been issued Aadhaar numbers barring a few states." It also added that Aadhaar has significantly improved the quality of resident/citizen experience in receiving welfare services".

According to Section 7 of the Aadhaar Act, a person who hasn't been assigned an Aadhaar number “shall be offered alternative and viable means of identification for delivery of the subsidy, benefit or service."

Also Read: What is Bal Aadhaar card? Benefits, eligibility, and other details

According to the circular, an Aadhaar number holder is required to undergo authentication or furnish a proof of possession of Aadhaar number, in order to avail of the subsidies and benefits. 

The UIDAI has previously offered the facility of Virtual Identifier (VID) to citizens. VID is a temporary and revocable 16-digit random number which is mapped with the Aadhaar number. Virtual Identifier can be used in place of Aadhar number for e-KYC services and authentication. According to the latest circular released by the UIDAI, authentication using VID may be made by the government entities. It (VID) also provides a sense of security and privacy to the Aadhaar number holder concerned. 

Each individual has a unique 12-digit Aadhaar number which is allotted to the residents on successful verification of biometric and demographic details. It can be used for online and offline verification and provides uniformity in terms of verification. The Govt of India has come up with Direct Benefits Transfer (DBT) scheme to reduce the role of middlemen and to ensure that people belonging to the lower economic strata get subsidies and other benefits directly in their bank accounts. The central govt provides subsidy to the citizens under various schemes; people have to apply for these if they are eligible.

One subscription. Two world-class reads.

Already subscribed? Log in

Subscribe to read the full story →
Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Quarterly Starter

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

Save 46%

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Access to Exclusive Premium Stories Online

  • Over 30 behind the paywall stories daily, handpicked by our editors for subscribers

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

Topics :AadhaarAadhar cardAadhaar authenticationgovernment of IndiaSubsidiesAadhaar numberAadhaar ActAadhaar linkingsubsidyservicesUIDAIKYC

Next Story