Authorization for performance of Aadhar authentication services

REGD. No. D. L.-33004/99 The Gazette of India CG-DL-E-12062026-273412 EXTRAORDINARY PART II—Section 3—Sub-section (i) PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY No. 425] NEW DELHI, FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2026/JYAISTHA 22, 1948 4256 GI/2026 MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE, (Department of Agricultural Research and Education) NOTIFICATION New Delhi, the 11th June, 2026 G.S.R. 475(E).— Whereas the use of Aadhaar number to establish identity enables individuals to receive subsidies, benefits and services in a convenient and seamless manner, obviastes the need for multiplicity of documents to establish identity, simplifies processes and promotes transparency and efficiency: 2. And whereas the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India, after consultation with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), had allowed vide its letter no. eF.No.22(4)/2026-CyberLaws, dated 24th March, 2026 to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Department of Agricultural Research & Education (hereinafter referred to as the said Ministry), Government of India (hereinafter referred to as the said Government) for the purposes prescribed 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 Department of Agricultural Research and Education may be allowed to 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 (herein referred to as the said act): 3. And whereas, the Aadhaar authentication shall be performed for usage of digital platforms to ensure good governance, prevention of dissipation of social welfare benefits; and enablement of innovation and spread of knowledge (hereinafter referred to as the said purpose) as prescribed 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 Department shall perform the Aadhaar authentication only for (a) candidates at various stages of examinations conducted by the department and at the time of their joining; and (b) examination functionaries involved in the examination process, using Yes/No or/and eKYC authentication facilities. (hereinafter referred to as the use case(s)]. 4 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. (1) The Ministry, as provided in the Act, shall obtain the consent of the Aadhaar number holder for the purpose of authentication herein. (2) As per sub-rule (2) of rule 3 of the said rules, Aadhaar authentication is on voluntary basis the 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) Voter ID Card (b) PAN Card (c) Driving License (d) Passport (e) Other Govt. IDs 2 This notification shall come into effect from the date of its publication in the official Gazette. [F. No. CA-18/03/2025-CAU & ASRB] GYANENDRA DEV TRIPATHI, Addl. Secy. Uploaded by Dte. of Printing at Government of India Press, Ring Road, Mayapuri, New Delhi-110064 and Published by the Controller of Publications, Delhi-110054. SARVESH KUMAR Digitally signed by SARVESH KUMAR SARVESH KUMAR 2006.06