On October 21, 2024, the Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) issued a critical notification emphasizing the urgent need for the implementation of Aadhaar seeding for Insured Persons (IPs), ESIC employees, and pensioners. This directive comes in light of concerning trends indicating a significant decline in daily Aadhaar seeding counts across Regional Offices (ROs) and Sub-Regional Offices (SROs).
Background and Importance
The ESIC has previously highlighted the necessity of timely Aadhaar seeding through various communications, including a letter dated June 13, 2024. The decline in seeding activities has raised serious concerns, as delays can severely impact service delivery and the operational efficiency of the ESIC system, affecting beneficiaries directly.
Key Provisions for Immediate Action
To address the critical issue of Aadhaar seeding, the ESIC has outlined several provisions that must be implemented without delay:
- IP Portal: Insured Persons can seed their Aadhaar details and those of their family members through the IP Portal. The seeding process utilizes OTP authentication from UIDAI, making it a straightforward option for IPs.
- Employer Portal: Employers have been empowered to generate new Insurance Numbers using Aadhaar through OTP or biometric verification. Additionally, they can seed Aadhaar numbers for existing IPs and their dependents, streamlining the process further.
- Bulk Aadhaar Seeding for Employers: A new facility has been introduced allowing employers to perform Bulk Aadhaar Seeding. By uploading a pre-defined template with the Aadhaar numbers and mobile numbers of IPs and their beneficiaries, this method simplifies the seeding process and significantly reduces manual effort. Employers are strongly encouraged to utilize this feature for quicker completion.
- ESIC Branches and Facilities: All ESIC branch offices, dispensaries, and hospitals are instructed to provide full assistance to IPs in completing the Aadhaar seeding process for themselves and their families. No eligible person should face barriers in this process.
- AAA+ Mobile App: The “AAA+” mobile app provides a convenient platform for IPs to seed their Aadhaar and their family members’ Aadhaar using OTP or face authentication. This feature offers an alternative to reduce reliance on traditional OTP and biometric methods. ESIC staff are expected to promote and assist IPs in using this app effectively.
Monitoring and Accountability
All Regional Directors and Heads of Sub-Regional Offices are mandated to closely monitor Aadhaar seeding progress. They must ensure immediate resolution of any obstacles, such as poor internet connectivity or equipment deficiencies.
The ESIC has made it clear that a decline in Aadhaar seeding performance is unacceptable, and strict accountability measures will be enforced against non-compliant offices. It is imperative that all available seeding methods are fully utilized, and if one method fails, alternatives must be employed without hesitation.
Conclusion
This directive is of utmost urgency, and the ESIC has warned that any further drop in Aadhaar seeding performance will result in strict administrative action
