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ATM News Network : In a groundbreaking development for central welfare schemes, the government has introduced a facial authentication feature in the PM-Kisan app. The new feature allows beneficiary farmers to complete their electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) process by simply scanning their faces on their mobile phones, eliminating the need for one-time passwords or fingerprints.
The launch of this innovative app feature took place at an event attended by Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, Minister of State for Agriculture Kailash Choudhary, Agriculture Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Additional Secretary Pramod Kumar Meherda, and senior officials from various states.
Under the previous system, PM-Kisan beneficiaries were required to undergo e-KYC either through biometrics at designated centers or by using one-time passwords sent to their mobile numbers linked with Aadhaar. However, this process faced challenges, as many farmers' mobile numbers were not linked to their Aadhaar accounts. Elderly farmers also encountered difficulties visiting nearby centers, and issues with fingerprint mismatches were also observed.
To address these challenges and streamline the e-KYC process, the Ministry of Agriculture decided to introduce the face authentication feature in the PM-Kisan mobile app. The feature utilizes the iris data of individuals with Aadhaar numbers, which was made accessible through collaboration with the Unique Identification Authority of India.
In addition to the facial authentication feature, the PM-Kisan scheme is integrating with Bhashini, the government's National Public Digital Platform for languages. This integration will enable farmers to receive information in their native languages, enhancing accessibility and understanding of the scheme's benefits.
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme, launched in 2019, provides eligible farmers' families across the country with financial assistance of Rs 6,000 per year in three equal installments every four months. The amount is transferred directly to their bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode.
The introduction of the facial authentication feature marks a significant milestone, as the PM-Kisan scheme becomes the first government initiative to conduct e-KYC using a facial recognition mobile app. This advancement is particularly beneficial for elderly farmers and those whose mobile numbers are not linked with their Aadhaar accounts. The simplified e-KYC process aims to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of the scheme, ensuring that farmers receive their entitled benefits seamlessly.
