The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) on May 18, 2026, notified that Aadhaar is mandatory for availing benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthan Mahabhiyan Scheme (PM-KUSUM).
The following has been stated:
• The Central Government has notified Aadhaar authentication requirements for beneficiaries availing subsidies under the PM-KUSUM scheme. The scheme provides subsidized solar agricultural pumps and solarisation of grid-connected agriculture pumps to farmers, cooperatives, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Self Help Groups, Water User Associations, and similar entities.
• Under the notification issued under Section 7 of the Aadhaar Act, beneficiaries shall undergo Aadhaar authentication or furnish proof of Aadhaar possession to receive benefits. Individuals not yet assigned Aadhaar shall apply for enrolment. Until Aadhaar is issued, beneficiaries may avail benefits using prescribed alternative identity documents along with Aadhaar enrolment acknowledgement (EID).
• The notification also provides special safeguards for children, persons facing biometric authentication issues, and beneficiaries requiring offline Aadhaar verification through QR code or paperless e-KYC. Authorities have been directed to facilitate Aadhaar enrolment, conduct awareness campaigns, and ensure no genuine beneficiary is denied benefits due to authentication failure.
• The notification comes into effect from May 22, 2026.
[Notification no. - S.O. 2548(E)]
