The Centre has introduced a requirement for Aadhaar authentication or proof of possession of an Aadhaar number for receiving benefits under the PM CARES for Children Scheme. This decision was reported following a notification issued by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on October 14. The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to students from Class 1 to Class 12, ensuring continuity in their education.

According to the notification, individuals wishing to avail themselves of the benefits must undergo Aadhaar authentication or present proof of their Aadhaar number. This step is intended to streamline the verification process for beneficiaries, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the scheme.

No Child Will Be Denied Benefits

Despite the new requirement for Aadhaar authentication, the notification clearly states that no child will be denied assistance if they are unable to authenticate their Aadhaar or do not possess an Aadhaar number. This provision is crucial to ensure that children in need do not miss out on educational support due to technical or administrative hurdles.

In cases where a child cannot establish their identity through Aadhaar, the notification outlines that benefits will still be provided after verifying the child’s identity and their relationship with a parent or legal guardian. This verification can be accomplished through various documents as specified in the notification.

Beneficiaries who do not have an Aadhaar number will need to apply for enrolment, which must be done with the consent of a parent or legal guardian. The department has committed to assisting these beneficiaries in completing their enrolment and updating their Aadhaar details as necessary.

Alternative Identity Verification Methods

For children under the age of 18 who have not yet received an Aadhaar number, alternative methods for establishing identity are available. They can provide an enrolment acknowledgement that includes their Enrolment ID along with proof of age, such as a birth certificate or a passport. Additionally, documents that establish the relationship with a parent or legal guardian, including a ration card or caste certificate, are also acceptable.

The notification also addresses the needs of foreign nationals. For those under 18 without an Aadhaar number, acceptable documents include an Overseas Citizen of India card for OCI cardholders or a registration certificate from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office for Tibetan refugees. Nepalese or Bhutanese passports are also valid for nationals from those countries.

For beneficiaries aged 18 and above who lack an Aadhaar number, they must present an enrolment acknowledgement containing the Enrolment ID along with one of the prescribed identity documents that carry their photograph. This includes options such as an Elector’s Photo Identity Card or a driving licence.

Ensuring Smooth Verification Processes

The notification further details alternative authentication methods for cases where Aadhaar verification fails due to poor biometric quality or other issues. If a biometric-based authentication attempt is unsuccessful, other methods, such as one-time pin (OTP) based authentication, will be offered wherever feasible.

The department will maintain records of cases where children receive benefits through alternative verification methods, ensuring that these instances are reviewed and audited periodically. This measure aims to uphold the integrity of the scheme while accommodating genuine beneficiaries.

In conclusion, while the new requirement mandates Aadhaar authentication for the PM CARES scholarship, the provisions in place ensure that eligible children who lack Aadhaar or face authentication challenges will still receive the necessary support for their education.

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