New Delhi: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has made Aadhaar-based authentication mandatory for ex-servicemen and their dependents seeking benefits under the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) and welfare schemes administered by the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB).
Two separate notifications issued earlier this month by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare (DESW) state that Aadhaar authentication is intended to simplify identity verification, reduce dependence on multiple documents and improve transparency and efficiency in delivering government benefits.
The requirement covers healthcare services under ECHS as well as financial assistance provided through the Raksha Mantri Ex-Servicemen Welfare Fund (RMEWF).
Where Will Aadhaar Be Required For ECHS Benefits?
According to the notifications, Aadhaar credentials will be required for several services linked to ECHS membership and healthcare access. These include:
- Grant of ECHS membership upon retirement.
- Availing healthcare facilities at ECHS polyclinics.
- Accessing services at service hospitals and empanelled hospitals.
- Processing claims related to ECHS beneficiaries.
- Receiving financial assistance under the RMEWF.
The notifications state that individuals seeking benefits under the specified schemes must undergo Aadhaar authentication or furnish proof of possession of their Aadhaar number.
Those who have not yet been assigned an Aadhaar number will be required to apply for enrolment.
Can Veterans Access Benefits Without Aadhaar?
The notifications provide for an alternative arrangement for applicants who have not yet received an Aadhaar number.
Until Aadhaar is assigned, eligible applicants can continue to access benefits by establishing their identity through specified valid documents. These include a driving licence, passport, ration card, voter identity card, matriculation certificate and Overseas Citizen of India card.
This provision allows eligible beneficiaries to access services while completing the Aadhaar enrolment process.
The notifications also require the Kendriya Sainik Board to facilitate enrolment for beneficiaries who do not have Aadhaar or need to update their details. This may involve coordinating with registrars, establishing enrolment centres at convenient locations or providing enrolment facilities through the Board itself.
Are Children Exempt From The Aadhaar Requirement?
The notifications specifically state that benefits must not be denied to a child merely because the child cannot complete Aadhaar authentication, furnish proof of an Aadhaar number or present an enrolment application where no Aadhaar number has been assigned.
In such cases, the child’s identity and relationship with a parent or legal guardian must be verified through the prescribed procedure.
The KSB is also required to maintain records of benefits provided under this exception and ensure that these records are periodically reviewed and audited.
What Happens To Adult Beneficiaries Without Aadhaar?
For beneficiaries aged 18 years or above, the notifications provide for an exception-handling mechanism to ensure eligible individuals are not deprived of benefits because of authentication-related difficulties.
The KSB is required to follow the mechanism specified in a Central Government memorandum issued by the Direct Benefit Transfer Mission.
The notifications explain that ECHS and RMEWF expenditure is met by the Central Government from the Consolidated Fund of India. The Aadhaar requirement has been introduced in the context of rules governing the delivery of benefits funded through public expenditure.
Veterans and dependents applying for these services should therefore check their Aadhaar enrolment status and keep the specified alternative identity documents available if their Aadhaar number has not yet been issued.
