Face Authentication for PM-Kisan Scheme

• 24 Jun 2023

For Prelims: PM-Kisan scheme, Bhashini, UIDAI, Central Sector Scheme, NIC.

For Mains: PM-Kisan Scheme.

Why in News?

Recently, the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India has rolled out Face Authentication Feature in the PM-Kisan app to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of welfare schemes.

• The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is also integrating with Bhashini to provide farmers information in their native language.
  • Bhashini is the government’s National Public Digital Platform for languages to develop services and products for citizens by leveraging the power of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.

What are the Key Points of the Feature?

• About:
  • The face authentication feature utilizes the iris data available with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), which maintains Aadhaar-related information.
    • The Ministry collaborated with UIDAI to gain access to this feature, thereby ensuring accuracy and reliability.
• Benefits:
  • Enhanced Accessibility: The face authentication feature eliminates the need for physical biometric verification, enabling farmers to complete the e-KYC process conveniently from their mobile phones.
  • Addressing Mobile-Aadhaar Linkage Issues: By utilizing facial recognition, the scheme accommodates farmers whose mobile numbers are not linked with their Aadhaar, ensuring a smoother process for all eligible beneficiaries.
  • Simplified Process for Elderly Farmers: The new feature overcomes the challenges faced by elderly farmers, eliminating the need for them to visit designated centers for biometric authentication.

What is PM-KISAN?

• About:
  • Under the scheme, the Centre transfers an amount of Rs 6,000 per year, in three equal installments, directly into the bank accounts of all landholding farmers irrespective of the size of their land holdings.
    • It was launched in February 2019.
• Funding and Implementation:
  • It is a Central Sector Scheme with 100% funding from the Government of India.
  • It is being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
• Identification of Beneficiaries:
  • The entire responsibility of identification of beneficiary farmer families rests with the State / UT Governments.
• Objective:
  • To supplement the financial needs of the Small and Marginal Farmers in procuring various inputs to ensure proper crop health and appropriate yields, commensurate with the anticipated farm income at the end of each crop cycle.
  • To protect them from falling in the clutches of moneylenders for meeting such expenses and ensure their continuance in the farming activities.
• PM-KISAN Mobile App:
  • The PM-KISAN Mobile App developed and designed by the National Informatics Centre in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has been launched.
  • The farmers can view the status of their application, update or carry out corrections of their Aadhaar cards and also check the history of credits to their bank accounts.
• Achievements So Far:
  • Over 11 crore farmers across the country have availed the PM-Kisan scheme, indicating its widespread reach and impact.
  • More than 3 crore women farmers have been included in the scheme, highlighting its emphasis on gender inclusivity and women empowerment in the agricultural sector.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Q. Consider the following statements: (2018)

1. Aadhaar card can be used as a proof of citizenship or domicile.
2. Once issued, Aadhaar number cannot be deactivated or omitted by the Issuing Authority.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (d)

Exp:

• The Aadhaar platform helps service providers authenticate identity of residents electronically, in a safe and quick manner, making service delivery more cost effective and efficient. According to the GoI and UIDAI, Aadhaar is not proof of citizenship.
• However, UIDAI has also published a set of contingencies when the Aadhaar issued by it is liable for rejection. An Aadhaar with mixed or anomalous biometric information or multiple names in a single name (like Urf or Alias) can be deactivated. Aadhaar can also get deactivated upon non-usage of the same for three consecutive years.

Source: IE