In a move aimed at streamlining the delivery of benefits under the National Action Plan for Skill Development of Persons with Disabilities (NAP-SDP), the government has mandated that all beneficiaries provide their Aadhaar number or proof of Aadhaar enrollment to access scheme benefits. This policy is part of a broader initiative to ensure that cash and non-cash benefits reach persons with disabilities (PwDs) efficiently.
As per the recent notification by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Aadhaar authentication is now required for accessing critical benefits like transport allowance, boarding and lodging, conveyance, and post-placement support. This requirement aims to strengthen the integrity of the disbursement process and ensure that benefits reach eligible individuals without any hindrances.
However, the government has made it clear that no eligible child or individual will be denied benefits due to a lack of Aadhaar or issues related to authentication failures. In cases where an Aadhaar number has not yet been assigned, beneficiaries are required to apply for Aadhaar enrolment. For children under the scheme, a parent or legal guardian’s consent is necessary for the application process.
The notification also highlights the use of alternative documents for identity verification until Aadhaar is issued. Beneficiaries can present documents like birth certificates, school records, or legal adoption or guardianship papers to establish their identity. Additionally, the government has ensured that individuals facing biometric authentication issues such as poor fingerprint or iris quality can use alternative verification methods like OTP-based authentication, Aadhaar QR code scanning, or offline e-KYC verification.
To facilitate the enrolment process, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has instructed its implementing agencies to establish Aadhaar enrolment centres at accessible locations or act as registrars themselves. This will ensure that PwDs have easy access to enrolment and updates to their Aadhaar details.
In a bid to raise awareness about the new requirement, the ministry will launch a media campaign to inform beneficiaries about the Aadhaar mandate and guide them on the necessary steps to ensure compliance. This policy change, which came into effect on July 2, is part of a larger initiative to enhance the lives of persons with disabilities through vocational training, empowering them to secure meaningful employment and achieve greater self-reliance.
