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PM CARES for Children Scholarship Outlines Aadhaar Rules and Alternative Verification
- •The Centre has mandated Aadhaar authentication or proof of possession for children applying for education assistance under the PM CARES for Children Scheme.
- •Lack of an Aadhaar number or failed authentication will not lead to denial of benefits, as alternative verification methods are established.
- •Children without Aadhaar must apply for enrolment, and until issued, identity and age can be verified using documents like birth certificates, passports, or school mark sheets.
- •Beneficiaries aged 18 or older can use alternative photo identity documents such as an EPIC, driving licence, or passport if Aadhaar is unavailable.
- •Specific alternative documents are outlined for foreign nationals including OCI cardholders, Tibetan refugees, and citizens of Nepal or Bhutan.
- •Failed biometric authentication will be addressed through alternative methods like OTP-based verification, accompanied by periodic audits and support for Aadhaar enrolment.
Key Questions Answered
The Centre has prescribed Aadhaar authentication or proof of possession of an Aadhaar number for children seeking education assistance under the PM CARES for Children Scheme. However, the absence of an Aadhaar number or failure to complete authentication cannot, by itself, be a reason to deny the benefit.
Children without an Aadhaar number must apply for enrolment with guardian consent. Until issued, benefits are provided after verifying identity and relationship using documents like an Aadhaar enrolment acknowledgement, birth certificate, Indian passport, school marks statement, ration card, or specified caste and domicile certificates.
If biometric authentication is unsuccessful due to poor-quality information or other reasons, another biometric method or an OTP-based authentication must be offered wherever feasible and permitted. The department will also maintain records of these alternative verifications for periodic audits.
