The Ministry of Coal (MoC), on January 30, 2026, notified the use of Aadhaar authentication for establishing the identity of beneficiaries for delivery of subsidies, benefits and services, after due consultation with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). This notification has been issued under the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016, read with the Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance (Social Welfare, Innovation, Knowledge) Rules, 2020, enabling the Ministry to perform Aadhaar-based authentication for specified purposes.
The notification specifically permits Aadhaar authentication for facilitating ease of living and improved access to services for affected families under the Revised Jharia Master Plan. The authentication process is designed to ensure efficient, transparent, and targeted delivery of benefits, wherein both Legal Title Holders (LTH) and Non-LTH families shall be verified through biometric Aadhaar authentication, and benefits shall be directly credited to Aadhaar-linked bank accounts.
Importantly, the Ministry has clarified that Aadhaar authentication is voluntary, and beneficiaries must provide informed consent prior to authentication. In cases where Aadhaar is not used, the Ministry shall offer alternate and viable means of identification, including bank or post office passbooks with photograph, PAN card, ration card, or voter ID, and no service shall be denied for refusal or inability to undergo Aadhaar authentication. The notification comes into force from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.
[Notification No. G.S.R. 92(E)]
