June 24, 2025 : Diagnostic development in public policy refers to the process of examining how a scheme functions in practice, identifying structural weaknesses, and introducing corrective measures to improve transparency, accountability and efficiency. The notification issued on 16 June 2025 by the Government of Chhattisgarh under the Department of Livestock Development reflects this approach in a clear and structured manner.
The livestock development schemes covered under the notification include assistance to poultry farmers through backyard poultry units, financial or in-kind support to goat farmers in the form of reproductively capable bucks, pig trio units of Middle White Yorkshire breed for pig farmers, and breeding bulls for genetic improvement. These schemes are implemented through district offices and funded from the Consolidated Fund of the State. Since public funds are involved and benefits are targeted, the state undertook a review of the identity verification process used for beneficiaries.
The diagnostic finding was that identity authentication required a standardized and legally backed system to prevent duplication, ensure that only eligible individuals receive assistance, and reduce procedural ambiguity. In response, the government introduced Aadhaar-based authentication under Section 7 of the Aadhaar Act, 2016 along with the relevant provisions of the Chhattisgarh Aadhaar Act, 2018. Eligible beneficiaries are now required to furnish proof of Aadhaar or undergo Aadhaar authentication. Individuals who do not yet possess Aadhaar must enroll before registering under the scheme, and the department is required to facilitate enrollment where centers are not locally available.
What makes this reform diagnostically significant is that it does not rely on a single method of verification. The framework incorporates biometric authentication through fingerprints, iris scan, or face authentication. Where biometric verification fails, authentication through Aadhaar-based One Time Password or Time-Based OTP is permitted. In situations where digital authentication is not feasible, the physical Aadhaar letter can be verified using the QR code printed on it, and the department must ensure availability of QR code readers at convenient locations. This layered structure shows administrative foresight, ensuring that technology strengthens delivery without becoming a barrier.
The notification also reflects sensitivity to exclusion risks. Until Aadhaar is assigned, beneficiaries may produce alternative identification documents such as a bank passbook with photograph, PAN card, passport, ration card, voter ID, MGNREGA card, Kisan photo passbook, driving licence, or a certificate issued by a Gazetted Officer or Tahsildar. These documents are subject to verification by a designated officer. Further, the department is required to follow the exception handling mechanism prescribed under the Direct Benefit Transfer framework to ensure that no genuine beneficiary is deprived of assistance.
From a governance perspective, this reform demonstrates diagnostic development in action. The state identified operational gaps in identity verification, grounded the solution in statutory authority, redesigned the administrative process with multiple authentication layers, and built safeguards against wrongful exclusion. Instead of adding procedural complexity, the system moves toward structured digital verification while retaining flexibility for ground-level realities.
In practical terms, the reform enhances delivery integrity, reduces the possibility of fraudulent claims, and strengthens accountability in subsidy distribution. At the same time, it preserves access for genuine livestock farmers who may face biometric or enrollment constraints. This balance between control and inclusion is the central feature of diagnostic development and makes the reform a useful case study in modern welfare administration.
Source: Chhattisgarh Rajpatra (Extra-Ordinary) No. 488, dated 17 June 2025, Notification No. F8-23/35/22/2024, Nava Raipur Atal Nagar, dated 16 June 2025.
Author: Kundan Jha, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh
