The Revenue Department, Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi, has issued a new notification on December 12, 2024 regarding the use of Aadhaar for availing benefits under three key state-funded schemes for minority students. The notification mandates that all beneficiaries must either provide proof of Aadhaar or undergo Aadhaar authentication to receive these benefits.
The three schemes under the notification are:
- Reimbursement of tuition fees for minority students from classes I to XII.
- Merit Scholarship for minority students in professional and technical colleges, institutions, and universities.
- Dr. B. R. Ambedkar State Award for minority students.
The department has emphasized the importance of Aadhaar in simplifying the delivery of services and ensuring transparency and efficiency in the process. Aadhaar will streamline the identification of beneficiaries and enable the direct transfer of benefits, thereby reducing the need for multiple identity documents.
Key Details of the Notification:
Aadhaar Requirement
All students applying for benefits under these schemes must provide proof of Aadhaar possession or undergo Aadhaar authentication. Those without an Aadhaar number must apply for Aadhaar enrollment. Children seeking benefits will need the consent of their parents or guardians to enroll.
Document Requirements
Beneficiaries who already possess an Aadhaar number must provide proof or authenticate their identity. Students without Aadhaar will need to submit an Aadhaar Enrollment Identification slip along with documents like a birth certificate or school identity card. Additionally, documents proving the relationship with parents or guardians, such as a ration card or pension card, will be required.
Support for Aadhaar Enrollment
For beneficiaries without Aadhaar, the Revenue Department will offer Aadhaar enrollment facilities through its implementing agency. These facilities will be available even in areas without a designated enrollment center.
Aadhaar Authentication Challenges
In cases where biometric authentication fails due to poor fingerprint quality, alternative methods such as iris scans or face authentication will be used. If biometric authentication is not possible, benefits may be provided based on the physical Aadhaar letter, which can be verified using a QR code.
Awareness and Outreach
The Revenue Department will ensure that beneficiaries are made aware of the Aadhaar requirement through extensive publicity campaigns. The department will also implement an exception handling mechanism to ensure that no eligible beneficiary is deprived of the benefits due to authentication issues.
This new requirement aims to simplify the application process, prevent fraud, and ensure that benefits reach the intended beneficiaries efficiently.
The notification is set to come into effect immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette which is December 12th 2024
