Stories
Centre Makes Aadhaar Authentication Mandatory for PM CARES for Children Scheme
- •The Centre has mandated Aadhaar authentication or proof of possession for scholarship benefits under the PM CARES for Children Scheme.
- •The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment clarified that no child will be denied assistance for failing to authenticate Aadhaar or lacking an Aadhaar number.
- •Children without an Aadhaar number must apply for enrolment with parental or legal guardian consent, and alternate identity documents can be used in the interim.
- •Alternative authentication methods such as OTP or other biometric modes will be offered if primary biometric verification fails.
- •The department will maintain records of cases using alternative verification processes and subject them to periodic reviews and audits.
Key Questions Answered
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has made Aadhaar authentication or proof of possession mandatory for beneficiaries seeking scholarship benefits under the PM CARES for Children Scheme, as outlined in a notification issued on October 14, 2026.
No child will be denied assistance for failing to authenticate Aadhaar or for not having been assigned an Aadhaar number. In such cases, benefits will be granted after verifying identity and relationship with parents or legal guardians using alternative specified documents like birth certificates or passports.
Children under 18 without an Aadhaar number can use an enrolment acknowledgement with an Enrolment ID alongside age-proofing documents like birth certificates, passports, or school board certificates, plus a photograph-bearing document to prove guardianship.
