The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India recently introduced the facial recognition feature in the PM-Kisan app, a move aimed at bolstering the efficiency and accessibility of welfare schemes. As part of the development, the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is also synergizing with Bhashini – the National Public Digital Platform for languages to facilitate farmers with information in their respective vernacular languages.
Face Authentication Feature: An Overview
The innovative face authentication feature draws on the wealth of iris data managed by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) that oversees Aadhaar-related data. The Ministry worked closely with UIDAI to enable access to this functionality while maintaining accuracy and trustworthiness.
Benefits of Face Authentication Feature
Implementing this technology eliminates the requirement for physical biometric verification, allowing farmers to navigate the e-KYC process comfortably via their mobile phones. By leveraging facial recognition, the scheme addresses the need for farmers whose mobile phone numbers are not linked with their Aadhaar cards. Notably, the feature simplifies the process for elderly farmers who no longer have to visit designated centers for biometric authentication.
About PM-KISAN Scheme
Launched in February 2019, the PM-KISAN scheme ensures transferring of Rs 6,000 per year in equal installments directly into the bank accounts of all landholding farmers without considering their landholding size. This Central Sector Scheme is wholly funded by the Government of India and implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. It aims to assist small and marginal farmers with their financial needs and protect them from succumbing to moneylenders.
PM-KISAN Mobile App
The newly unveiled PM-KISAN Mobile App developed by the National Informatics Centre and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology allows farmers to view the status of their application, make updates or corrections to their Aadhaar cards, and check their account credit history.
Achievements of PM-KISAN So Far
Since its launch, over 11 crore farmers nationwide have benefitted from the PM-Kisan scheme, underlining its far-reaching impact. The inclusion of more than 3 crore women farmers in the scheme underscores its focus on gender inclusivity and empowerment of women in agriculture.
Previous Year Questions in UPSC Civil Services Examination
Recall questions related to Aadhaar card from the 2018 Civil Services Examination: Is Aadhaar card a proof of citizenship or domicile? Can Aadhaar number be deactivated or omitted by the Issuing Authority? The correct answer is that Aadhaar card does not serve as proof of citizenship and can indeed be deactivated based on certain contingencies outlined by UIDAI.