Last Updated on October 17, 2026 12:27 pm by INDIAN AWAAZ
BIBHUDATTA PRADHAN / NEW DELHI
The GOVERNMENT OF INDIA has made Aadhaar authentication or proof of possession of an Aadhaar number necessary to avail of scholarship benefits under the PM CARES for Children Scheme.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has issued a notification in this regard. It said that beneficiaries of the Special Scholarship Scheme under PM CARES for Children, which provides assistance for continuing education from Class 1st to 12th, will be required to undergo Aadhaar authentication or furnish proof of possession of an Aadhaar number.
The notification stated that no child will be denied assistance for failure to authenticate Aadhaar or for not having been assigned an Aadhaar number. In such cases, the benefit will be provided after verifying the child’s identity and establishing the relationship with the parent or legal guardian through the documents specified in the notification. Our correspondent has the details.
The notification issued by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment provides separate document requirements for beneficiaries below 18 years of age and those aged 18 years or above who have not been assigned an Aadhaar number. Children below 18 years of age can establish their identity by submitting an enrolment acknowledgement containing the Enrolment ID and a document establishing their age, such as a birth certificate, Indian passport or a Class 10th or Class 12th certificate or marks statement issued by a recognised school education board.
For beneficiaries aged 18 or above, the notification lists documents such as an Election Commission-issued voter identity card, driving license, Indian passport, and ration card, along with other specified identity documents. The notification also provides for alternative authentication methods, including biometric or one-time password-based verification, wherever feasible, if Aadhaar authentication fails.