The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MOHFW) has notified that the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) is now permitted to conduct Aadhaar authentication on a voluntary basis. This notification was published on November 24, 2023.
Thus, the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) is now empowered to perform Aadhaar authentication for the following purposes:
1. Authenticating Officials, Faculty, and Students on the Portal
PCI can utilize Aadhaar authentication to verify the identities of officials, faculty, and students accessing its portal. This measure aims to enhance security and ensure accurate identification within the system.
2. Capturing Faculty Attendance through Biometrics:
The PCI can employ Aadhaar authentication for capturing attendance of faculty members. This can be achieved through biometric verification using Yes/No responses or/and e-KYC authentication facilities. The move is expected to modernize attendance tracking and streamline administrative processes.
It is essential to note that the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) is bound by the provisions of the Aadhaar Act, rules, regulations, and guidelines made thereunder. Additionally, the PCI must adhere to the directions regarding the use of Aadhaar authentication as stipulated by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and the Central Government, ensuring compliance with the evolving standards and regulations over time.
This voluntary Aadhaar authentication initiative is anticipated to bring about operational efficiencies, enhance data accuracy, and contribute to the overall modernization of administrative processes within the Pharmacy Council of India.