Aadhaar vs Voter ID: There is a possibility of change in the system related to identification for crores of people taking benefits of government schemes. Till now, Aadhaar card is used in many government schemes for identification of beneficiaries and processes related to bank accounts. But now the discussion of including Voter ID card as an option in this system has come to the fore.
If this proposal is approved, people taking advantage of government schemes may get an additional option to prove their identity. Especially, relief is expected for those people who face problems in Aadhaar related processes.
What is the government’s plan regarding Voter ID?
Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh) has mentioned the possibility of using Voter ID and biometric information to identify beneficiaries of government schemes. Under this system, an option can be created to verify the identity of the person through biological information like fingerprint along with Voter ID number.
The main objective behind this initiative is to ensure that government assistance reaches the right beneficiary and improve the process of identity verification. However, detailed rules regarding this and the deadline for implementation have not been revealed yet.
Beneficiaries of which government schemes can get benefits?
There are many such schemes of the Central and State Government in the country, under which financial assistance to the eligible people is sent directly to their bank accounts. These mainly include the following schemes.
- PM Kisan Samman Nidhi: Financial assistance is given to eligible farmers.
- Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana: Eligible families get government help to build houses.
- old age pension: Regular financial assistance is provided to eligible seniors.
- Widow Pension: Eligible women get financial support.
- Disability Pension: Financial assistance is provided to eligible disabled people.
However, the official approval to use Voter ID in place of Aadhaar in these schemes has not been confirmed yet. It remains to be clear which plans will adopt this option in the future.
Will Aadhar card no longer be needed?
After this news came out, the biggest question in the minds of people is whether the requirement of Aadhaar card to avail money from government schemes will end? It is too early to say this at this time.
Till now, no official instructions have come out to completely implement Voter ID in place of Aadhar Card. Therefore, beneficiaries do not need to make changes to their existing identity and bank related information.
What things should the beneficiaries keep in mind now? (Aadhaar vs Voter ID)
Until clear guidelines are issued by the government in this regard, people should avail the benefits of government schemes as per the rules already in force. Keep your Aadhar card, bank account information and scheme related documents safe.
Information about when the system of using Voter ID as an alternative identification will start and what process will be adopted for it will become clear only after the official announcement.
What is the current situation?
Overall, the possibility of using Voter ID and biometric information to identify beneficiaries in government schemes has definitely emerged, but it would not be right to consider it as a new alternative to Aadhaar card. Crores of beneficiaries should wait for the official decision and guidelines of the government in this regard.