Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, known as Lalan Singh, has announced that the government intends to modify the current system for verifying beneficiaries before disbursing payments. This change will see biometric data and voter ID numbers, referred to as EPIC numbers, take precedence over Aadhaar as the primary identification for beneficiaries. Singh made these comments on Friday during the National Workshop on People’s Plan Campaign 2026-27, organised by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.

During his address, Singh stated that Aadhaar would no longer serve as the main document for processing payments to beneficiaries. He highlighted the widespread availability of Aadhaar enrolment centres, suggesting that obtaining an Aadhaar card has become increasingly accessible. Singh remarked that an Aadhaar card could be issued in a matter of minutes, indicating a shift in the identification process for government benefits.

Singh elaborated that the new system would rely on biometric information and the EPIC number for beneficiary identification and payment processing. He asserted that the Aadhaar card would no longer be the basis for these transactions, marking a significant transition in how beneficiaries are recognised and supported financially.

Current Use of Aadhaar in Government Schemes

This announcement carries considerable implications, as Aadhaar is presently integral to verifying beneficiaries across numerous Central government schemes. For instance, the National Livestock Mission’s Entrepreneurship Development Programme, administered by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, mandates that eligible applicants provide their Aadhaar number or complete Aadhaar authentication to access benefits. Other significant programmes, such as the rural job guarantee initiative VB-G RAM G, PM-Kisan, Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin, and the National Social Assistance Programme, which offers pensions to vulnerable groups, also depend on Aadhaar-linked bank accounts for fund transfers.

Despite the proposed changes, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj does not currently operate any schemes that facilitate direct money transfers to individual beneficiaries’ bank accounts. However, several schemes under the Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Ministry, which Singh also oversees, still require Aadhaar for payment processing. The lack of clarity regarding which specific government schemes will implement this new verification system or when it will take effect remains a point of concern.

As the government prepares for this transition, stakeholders will be keen to understand the implications for existing beneficiaries and how the shift will be managed. The move could potentially streamline the identification process, but it also raises questions about the continuity of benefits for those currently reliant on Aadhaar.

Focus on Strengthening Local Governance

In addition to discussing the changes to beneficiary verification, Singh addressed the need for enhancing the financial independence of Gram Panchayats. He emphasised the importance of involving all stakeholders in efforts to create self-reliant and developed local governance structures. Singh highlighted that strengthening Gram Panchayats would require increasing their own revenue streams to qualify for performance-based grants.

By generating additional income independently, local bodies can bolster their financial health and improve overall functionality. Singh’s remarks reflect a broader vision for empowering local governance through fiscal self-sufficiency, which could lead to more effective service delivery at the grassroots level.

The discussions at the workshop signal a commitment to reforming the mechanisms of local governance and beneficiary support, aiming for a more robust and accountable system that better serves the needs of citizens. The government’s approach appears to be focused on creating a sustainable framework for both financial assistance and local governance enhancement.

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