Aadhaar card mandatory for three dozen central schemes

Excepting Jammu and Kashmir, Meghalya and Assam, all other states and union territories would have to adhere to the new rule.

New Delhi:  In yet another step towards PM Modi’s digitisation move, the Central government on Monday made Aadhaar card mandatory to avail of benefits under nearly three dozen central schemes apart from the midday meal scheme at schools and the Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan, according to a report in leading business portal Economic Times. However, those not yet enrolled in the Aadhaar scheme have been given time till June 30 without any inconvenience.

While talking to the business portal, a top government official said,”Seventy-five percent of children between five and 18 years of age have Aadhaar in states where it is being made mandatory. Almost every adult in the country has an Aadhaar.”

“Children who do not have an Aadhaar will be enrolled by their school itself for the same by June 30 so, there is no question of any child being denied a midday meal by states or they being made to run around for it. Same goes for the 30-odd other schemes in question,” the official further added.

The government official also said that the biometric identity will soon be made mandatory for all 84 schemes covered so far under direct subsidy benefit transfer programme. “Those without an Aadhaar can apply for the card by June 30 and get benefits till then by furnishing alternative documents, said the official.

The Human Resources Development Ministry earlier this week came up with a notification making it mandatory for students to have an Aadhaar number for getting their midday meals. The cook-cum-helpers engaged in preparing the meals for the scheme would also now be required to have Aadhaar cards. Excepting Jammu and Kashmir, Meghalya and Assam, all other states and union territories would have to adhere to the new rule.