Aadhaar card to be replaced by biometrics and voter ID numbers for government benefit payments, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh has indicated. Speaking at a national workshop on Friday, the minister stated that Aadhaar will no longer serve as the primary identification document for processing beneficiary funds.
Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, also known as Lalan Singh, made the announcement while addressing the National Workshop on the People’s Plan Campaign 2026-27. The event was organised by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
Under the proposed payment verification system, biometric details and the Election Photo Identity Card number, commonly known as the EPIC number, will be used instead of Aadhaar. However, the minister did not specify which particular government schemes would adopt this new arrangement or when the transition would take effect.
Key Points Of Aadhaar Card Replacement For Government Benefits
- Union Minister Lalan Singh announced that biometric details and voter ID numbers will replace Aadhaar for beneficiary payments.
- The announcement was made on Friday at the National Workshop on the People’s Plan Campaign 2026-27.
- The minister noted that Aadhaar-enrolment centres are now widely available and can issue cards quickly, making it less reliable as a unique identifier.
- Several major Central schemes currently rely on Aadhaar, including PM-Kisan and Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin.
Why The Government Plans To Change Beneficiary Verification
Explaining the rationale behind the proposed shift, Lalan Singh pointed out the widespread availability of Aadhaar-enrolment facilities across streets. He suggested that this accessibility led to the decision to move towards a more secure identifier system.
“Woh Aadhaar card ab aadhaar nahin rahega. Jo bhi beneficiary hain, unke bhugtan ke liye biometric aur unka jo voter ID ka EPIC number hai, woh uska aadhaar hoga, aur usi par unka bhugtan hoga,” the minister stated during the workshop, explaining that payments would directly rely on the EPIC number and biometrics.
Existing Government Schemes Using Aadhaar-Linked Payments
The proposed transition carries significant implications because numerous Central government programmes currently depend on Aadhaar for beneficiary verification and direct benefit transfers. These initiatives span multiple ministries and welfare sectors across the country.
Programmes utilizing Aadhaar-linked bank accounts include the rural job guarantee scheme VB-G RAM G, PM-Kisan, Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin, and the National Social Assistance Programme, which provides pensions to elderly individuals, widows, and persons with disabilities. Additionally, the National Livestock Mission’s Entrepreneurship Development Programme requires applicants to provide Aadhaar proof.
Focus On Strengthening Gram Panchayats
Apart from the payment verification announcement, Lalan Singh emphasised the need to make Gram Panchayats financially robust and self-reliant. He urged all stakeholders to contribute toward building Atmanirbhar Panchayats and Viksit Panchayats.
The minister highlighted that local bodies must independently generate higher revenue to qualify for performance-based grants. Improving internal income generation will assist local administrations in strengthening their financial standing and overall operational efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will replace the Aadhaar card for government benefit payments?
Union Minister Lalan Singh announced that biometric details and voter ID numbers, also referred to as EPIC numbers, will replace Aadhaar as the basis for processing payments to beneficiaries under government schemes.
Which government schemes are changing to the biometric and voter ID system?
Union Minister Lalan Singh did not specify which government schemes will adopt the proposed biometric and voter ID system, nor did he provide a timeline for when the new payment verification arrangement will be introduced.
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