The Ministry of Cooperation, on October 16, 2026, authorised Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited (BBSSL) to perform Aadhaar authentication 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. The notification enables Aadhaar-based identity verification on BBSSL’s digital platform to support good governance and ensure that genuine farmers participate in seed procurement and distribution.
BBSSL may use Aadhaar authentication only to verify farmers’ identities during registration and approval on its digital platform. Authentication is voluntary, and BBSSL must obtain the Aadhaar holder’s consent before conducting authentication. The Ministry must inform individuals of alternative and viable identification methods, namely a Permanent Account Number (PAN) Card or Voter Identity Card.
The notification expressly provides that no service may be denied to an Aadhaar holder solely because they refuse or are unable to undergo Aadhaar authentication. It comes into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.
[S.O. 5674(E)]
