The government of Telangana with GO No 6 on 16 February 2024 issued a Notification for the requirement of Aadhaar authentication of beneficiaries under the Gruha Jyoti scheme as per Section 7 of the Aadhaar Act, 2016 ( as amended by the Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Act 2019) Notification Orders Issued ENERGY (POWER.I) DEPARTMENT.
Gruha Jyothi Scheme Telangana Aadhaar Authentication Process for Beneficiaries, Aadhaar as an identity document for delivery of services or benefits or subsidies simplifies the Government delivery processes, brings in transparency and efficiency, and enables beneficiaries to get their entitlements directly conveniently and seamlessly by obviating the need to produce multiple documents to prove one’s identity;
And whereas, the Energy Department (hereinafter referred to as the Department), is administering the GRUHA JYOTHI scheme (hereinafter referred to as the Scheme) providing free electricity up to 200 units for domestic households in Telangana, which is being implemented through (Telangana State Distribution companies (TSDISCOMs) (hereinafter referred to as the Implementing agency);
Simplifying Delivery Processes with Aadhaar Authentication
The Energy Department of Telangana has issued a notification regarding the requirement of Aadhaar authentication for beneficiaries under the Gruha Jyoti scheme. This notification, in accordance with Section 7 of the Aadhaar Act, 2016, aims to streamline the delivery of services and benefits to the citizens of Telangana.
Gruha Jyothi Scheme Telangana Aadhaar Authentication Process for Beneficiaries
Aadhaar serves as a crucial identity document that enhances transparency, efficiency, and convenience in government service delivery. By linking services directly to Aadhaar, beneficiaries can access their entitlements seamlessly without the need for multiple identity proofs.
Overview of the Gruha Jyoti Scheme
The Gruha Jyoti scheme, administered by the Energy Department, provides free electricity up to 200 units for domestic households in Telangana. Implemented through Telangana State Distribution Companies (TSDISCOMs), the scheme aims to alleviate the burden of electricity expenses for eligible residents.
Aadhaar Requirement for Scheme Benefits
To avail themselves of the benefits under the Gruha Jyoti scheme, individuals must undergo Aadhaar authentication. Those without an Aadhaar number must enroll for Aadhaar before registering for the scheme, ensuring compliance with the Aadhaar Act.
Provision of Aadhaar Enrollment Facilities
The Energy Department, through its implementing agency, is mandated to offer Aadhaar enrollment facilities for beneficiaries who are not yet enrolled. In cases where no enrollment center is available locally, arrangements will be made to facilitate enrollment conveniently.
Remedial Mechanisms for Authentication Failures
In instances where Aadhaar authentication fails, alternative authentication methods will be adopted. These may include iris scan or face authentication, along with provisions for one-time passwords to ensure seamless delivery of benefits.
Ensuring Accessibility and Transparency
Efforts will be made to provide wide publicity through various media channels to raise awareness among beneficiaries about the Aadhaar requirement under the scheme. Additionally, arrangements for QR code verification will be implemented to verify the authenticity of physical Aadhaar letters.
Adherence to Government Instructions
The Energy Department will adhere to instructions issued by the Government of India to ensure that genuine beneficiaries receive their entitled benefits under the scheme without any deprivation.
Effective Date of Notification for Gruha Jyothi Scheme Telangana Aadhaar Authentication Process
This notification will come into effect upon its publication in the Official Gazette of Telangana State.
In conclusion, the requirement of Aadhaar authentication under the Gruha Jyoti scheme underscores the government’s commitment to efficient service delivery and transparency in benefit distribution. By leveraging Aadhaar, the Energy Department aims to enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of the scheme for the citizens of Telangana.
And whereas, under the free electricity scheme, up to 200 units for domestic households in Telangana (herein referred to as benefit) is given to the eligible residents of Telangana (hereafter referred to as beneficiaries), by the implementing agency as per the extant scheme guidelines issued by the State Government from time to time in the matter.
And whereas, the Scheme involves recurring expenditure incurred from the Consolidated Fund of Telangana State.
Now, therefore, in pursuance of Section 7 of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016 (18 of 2016) and Other Laws (Amendment) Act 2019, the Government of Telangana State hereby notifies the following, namely:-
(1) An individual desirous of availing the benefit under the scheme shall hereby be required to furnish proof of possession of the Aadhaar number or undergo Aadhaar authentication.
(2) Any individual desirous of availing the benefit under the Scheme, who does not possess the Aadhaar number or, as has not yet enrolled for an Aadhaar, shall be required to make an application for Aadhaar enrolment before registering for the scheme provided that he is entitled to obtain aadhaar as per section 3 of the said act, at any Aadhaar enrolment centre (list available at the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) website
www.uidai.gov.in) to get enrolled for Aadhaar.
(3) As per Regulation 12 of the Aadhaar (Enrolment and Update) Regulations, 2016, the Department through its Implementing Agency, is required to offer Aadhaar enrolment facilities for the beneficiaries who are not yet enrolled for Aadhaar and in case there is no Aadhaar enrolment centre located in the respective Block or Taluka or Tehsil, the Department through its Implementing Agency shall provide Aadhaar enrolment facilities at
convenient locations in coordination with the existing Registrars of UIDAI or by becoming a UIDAI Registrar themselves;
Provided that till the time Aadhaar is assigned to the individual, benefits under the scheme shall be given to such individual, subject to the production of the following documents namely:-
(a) if he/she has enrolled, his/her Aadhaar Enrolment Identification Slip and any
(b) any one of the following documents, namely.
(i) Bank or Post office passbook with photo; or
(ii) Permanent Account Number (PAN) Card; or
(jii) Passport; or
(iv) Ration Card; or
(v) Voter Identity Card; or
(vi) MGNREGA card, or
(vii) Kisan Photo passbook, or
(viii) Driving license issued by the Licensing Authority under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (S9 of 19BB); or
(ix) certificate of identity having photo of such person issued by a Gazetted Officer or a Tehsildar on an official letter head; or
(x) any other document as specified by the Department Provided further that the above documents may be checked by an officer specifically designated by the Department for that purpose.
In order to provide benefits to the beneficiaries under the Scheme conveniently, the Department through its Implementing Agency shall make all the required arrangements to ensure that wide publicity through media shall be given to the beneficiaries to make them aware of the requirement of Aadhaar under the Scheme.
In all cases, where Aadhaar authentication fails due to poor biometrics of the beneficiaries or due to any other reason, the following remedial mechanisms shall be adopted, namely:-
(a) in case of poor fingerprint quality, iris scan or face authentication facility shall be adopted for authentication, thereby the Department through its Implementing Agency shall make provisions for iris scanners or face authentication along with finger-print authentication for delivery of benefits in a seamless manner;
(b) in case the biometric authentication through fingerprints or iris scan or face authentication is not successful, wherever feasible and admissible authentication by Aadhaar one Time password or Time_based oneTime Password with limited time validity, as the case may be, shall be offered;
(c) in all other cases where biometric or Aadhaar one Time password or Time-based one-Time password authentication is not possible, benefits under the Scheme may be given based on physical Aadhaar letter whose authenticity
can be verified through the quick Response (QR) code printed on the Aadhaar letter and the necessary arrangement of QR code reader shall be provided at the convenient relocations by the Department through its Implementing Agency.
In addition to the above for the purpose of ensuring that no bona fide beneficiary under the Scheme is deprived of his/her due benefits, under the said scheme, the Department in the State Government shall follow the instructions
issued from time to time by the Government of India through its implementing agency.
