March 26, 2024 : The Government of Chhattisgarh On 20 February 2024, issued a notification aimed at improving the delivery system of fisheries-related schemes by making Aadhaar-based identification mandatory for beneficiaries. This move reflects a diagnostic development approach, where gaps in implementation are identified and corrective mechanisms are introduced to make public schemes more transparent, efficient and inclusive.
The Department of Fisheries administers multiple schemes such as Matsya Palan Prasar, Vistaar aur Prashikshan, and grants to fisheries cooperative societies. Under these schemes, fish farmers receive assistance in the form of fish seed, nets, ice boxes, equipment support, training in new fish farming technologies, exposure visits and financial grants. These schemes are implemented through district offices of the department and are funded from the Consolidated Fund of the Government of Chhattisgarh.
The notification recognizes that using Aadhaar as a proof of identity simplifies government delivery processes. It reduces the need for multiple documents and enables beneficiaries to receive their entitlements in a seamless manner. Accordingly, any individual eligible under these schemes must furnish proof of possession of an Aadhaar number or undergo Aadhaar authentication to receive benefits.
At the same time, the system has been designed to ensure that genuine beneficiaries are not excluded. If a person does not yet have an Aadhaar number, they are required to apply for Aadhaar enrollment before registering under the scheme, provided they are entitled to obtain Aadhaar under the law. The department, through its implementing agencies, must also facilitate Aadhaar enrollment, especially in areas where enrollment centers are not available.
Until Aadhaar is assigned, benefits will continue to be provided subject to the submission of an Aadhaar enrollment slip along with any one prescribed identity document. These documents include a bank or post office passbook with photo, PAN card, passport, ration card, voter identity card, MGNREGA card, Kisan photo passbook, driving license issued under the Motor Vehicles Act, a certificate of identity issued by a Gazetted Officer or Tahsildar, or any other document specified by the department. Verification of these documents is to be carried out by an officer designated by the department.
The notification also addresses practical issues in biometric authentication. In cases where fingerprint authentication fails due to poor biometrics or other reasons, iris scan or face authentication facilities must be adopted. If biometric authentication remains unsuccessful, Aadhaar-based One Time Password or time-based OTP authentication is permitted. Where even these methods are not feasible, benefits may be provided on the basis of the physical Aadhaar letter, with verification through the QR code printed on it. The department must ensure that QR code readers are available at convenient locations.
Further, to ensure that no bona fide beneficiary is deprived of benefits, the department is required to follow the exception handling mechanism specified under the Direct Benefit Transfer Mission guidelines of the Government of India dated 19 December 2017. This safeguard is an important diagnostic correction, ensuring that system failures do not translate into exclusion.
Overall, the notification represents a structured effort to strengthen verification systems within fisheries development schemes. By mandating Aadhaar authentication while providing enrollment support, alternative identification options and layered authentication mechanisms, the state has introduced a more accountable and reliable delivery framework. The approach balances transparency with inclusion and aims to ensure that financial assistance, training and equipment support reach genuine fish farmers across Chhattisgarh without unnecessary delay or duplication
Source: Chhattisgarh Rajpatra (Extra-Ordinary) No. 136, dated 20 March 2024, Notification No. F-6-1/36/YOJANA /2023 Atal Nagar, the 20th February 2024.
Author: Kundan Jha, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh
