SRINAGAR: The Centre has made Aadhaar authentication or proof of possession of an Aadhaar number a requirement for beneficiaries seeking scholarship assistance under the PM CARES for Children Scheme, while clarifying that no child will be denied benefits solely for not having an Aadhaar number or failing authentication.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment issued a notification specifying the requirements for beneficiaries of the Special Scholarship Scheme under PM CARES for Children, which provides educational assistance from Class 1 to Class 12.
According to the notification, beneficiaries will be required to undergo Aadhaar authentication or furnish proof of possession of an Aadhaar number to receive the assistance. However, alternative procedures have been prescribed for children who have not been assigned an Aadhaar number or whose authentication fails.
For beneficiaries below 18 years of age who do not have an Aadhaar number, the notification allows identity verification through an Aadhaar enrolment acknowledgement containing the Enrolment ID, along with a document establishing their age. Accepted documents include a birth certificate, an Indian passport, or a Class 10 or Class 12 certificate or marks statement issued by a recognised school education board.
For beneficiaries aged 18 years or above who have not been assigned an Aadhaar number, the notification lists alternative identity documents, including an Election Commission-issued voter identity card, driving licence, Indian passport and ration card, along with other specified documents.
The prescribed procedure also provides for verification of a child’s identity and confirmation of their relationship with a parent or legal guardian through the documents specified in the notification.
Where Aadhaar authentication fails, alternative methods, including biometric verification or one-time password-based authentication, may be used wherever feasible.
The notification thus provides an alternative verification mechanism to ensure that eligible children can continue receiving educational assistance despite Aadhaar-related difficulties.
