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Core Purpose

The Ministry of Coal notifies the voluntary use of Aadhaar authentication for establishing identity to deliver benefits to affected families under the Revised Jharia Master Plan, specifying alternative identification means.

Detailed Summary

The Ministry of Coal, vide Notification G.S.R. 92(E) dated 30th January, 2026, published on February 2, 2026, notifies the voluntary use of Aadhaar authentication for establishing identity. This action is taken in pursuance of rule 5 of the Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance (Social Welfare, Innovation, Knowledge) Rules, 2020, read with sub-clause (ii) of clause (b) of sub-section (4) of section 4 of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016, and after consultation with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). The primary purpose is to promote ease of living for residents and enable better access to services for affected families under the Revised Jharia Master Plan. The authentication process involves verifying both Legal Title Holders (LTH) and Non-LTH families through biometric Aadhaar authentication, with benefits disbursed directly into Aadhaar-linked bank accounts. The Ministry must obtain the Aadhaar number holder's consent for authentication. Crucially, Aadhaar authentication is voluntary, and the Ministry is mandated to inform individuals of alternate and viable means of identification, ensuring no service is denied for refusing or being unable to undergo Aadhaar authentication. Accepted alternative identification means include a Bank or Post Office Passbook with Photo, Permanent Account Number (PAN) Card, Ration Card, and Voter Identity Card. The notification comes into effect upon its publication in the Official Gazette.

Full Text

REGD. No. D. L.-33004/99 The Gazette of India CG-DL-E-02022026-269771 EXTRAORDINARY PART II-Section 3-Sub-section (i) PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY No. 87] NEW DELHI, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2026/MAGHA 13, 1947 MINISTRY OF COAL NOTIFICATION New Delhi, the 30th January, 2026 G.S.R. 92(E).—WHEREAS the use of Aadhaar number to establish identity enables individuals to receive subsidies, benefits and services in a convenient and seamless manner, obviates the need for multiplicity of documents to establish identity, simplifies processes and promotes transparency and efficiency: AND WHEREAS the Ministry of Coal (hereinafter referred to as the said Ministry), after consultation with the Unique Identification Authority of India, (UIDAI), for the purposes specified under sub-rule (1) of rule 3 of the Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance (Social Welfare, Innovation, Knowledge) Rules, 2020 (hereinafter referred to as the said rules) that the said Ministry shall perform authentication and be permitted the use of Aadhaar number during authentication for establishing identity of Aadhaar number holder and notify the same under rule 5 of the said rules read with sub-clause (ii) of clause (b) of sub-section (4) of section 4 of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016 (hereinafter referred to as the Act): AND WHEREAS, the Aadhaar authentication shall be performed for promoting ease of living of residents and enabling better access to services for affected families under the Revised Jharia Master Plan (hereinafter referred to as the said purpose) as specified under sub-rule (1) of rule 3 of the said rules and the performance of Aadhaar authentication for the said purpose shall be on voluntary basis and that the said Ministry shall perform the Aadhaar authentication only for the proposed Aadhar Authentication Service for the purpose, which is designed to ensure efficient, transparent, and targeted delivery of benefits to affected families. AND WHEREAS, under this process, both Legal Title Holders (LTH) and Non-LTH families shall be verified through biometric Aadhaar authentication, and benefits shall be disbursed directly into Aadhaar-linked bank accounts. NOW, THEREFORE, in pursuance of rule 5 of the said rules read with sub-clause (ii) of clause (b) of sub-section (4) of section 4 of the Act, the said Ministry hereby notifies the following, namely:— (1) The said Ministry, as provided in the Act, shall obtain the consent of the Aadhaar number holder for the purpose of authentication herein. (2) The Aadhaar authentication is on voluntary basis, the said Ministry shall inform to the Aadhaar number holder of alternate and viable means of identification and shall not deny any service to the Aadhaar number holder for refusing to, or being unable to, undergo Aadhaar authentication, namely: — (a) Bank or Post Office Passbook with Photo; (b) Permanent Account Number (PAN) Card; (c) Ration Card; and (d) Voter Identity Card. 2. This notification shall come into effect on its publication in the Official Gazette. [F. No. 22020/02/2016-CRC-II(Part-III)(Part-I)] SANOJ KUMAR JHA, Addl. Secy.

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