The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) on May 18, 2026, issued the notification regarding the Mandatory Aadhaar Authentication and Alternate Identification Provisions for Beneficiaries under the PM-KUSUM Scheme
The following has been stated namely: -
• Farmers and authorized representatives of cooperatives, FPOs, SHGs, Water User Associations, etc., seeking subsidized solar pumps or solarization benefits under the PM-KUSUM Scheme must undergo Aadhaar authentication or provide proof of possession of an Aadhaar number.
• Individuals who do not have an Aadhaar number must apply for Aadhaar enrolment. Children can be enrolled only with the consent of their parent or legal guardian.
• Until Aadhaar is assigned, beneficiaries can avail benefits by submitting the Aadhaar enrolment acknowledgment (EID) along with specified identity and age-related documents such as birth certificates, voter ID, ration card, passport, driving licence, educational certificates, disability certificates, etc.
• State Governments, Union Territories, and implementing agencies must facilitate Aadhaar enrolment and updates through enrolment centres, awareness campaigns, and coordination with registrars.
• If biometric authentication fails, alternative methods such as another biometric mode, OTP-based authentication, Aadhaar Secure QR Code verification, or Aadhaar Paperless Offline e-KYC verification may be used.
• No child shall be denied PM-KUSUM benefits due to lack of Aadhaar, authentication failure, or pending Aadhaar enrolment. Benefits can be provided after verifying the child's identity and relationship with the parent or guardian.
• The Ministry must follow the prescribed exception-handling mechanism to ensure that genuine adult beneficiaries are not deprived of benefits due to Aadhaar-related issues.
This shall come into force on May 18, 2026.
[Notification No. S.O. 2548(E)]
