Himachal Pradesh has become the first Indian state to implement Aadhaar-based face authentication (FaceAuth) for the distribution of ration under the Public Distribution System (PDS).
About Face Authentication (FaceAuth)
| Feature | Details |
| Introduced by | Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) |
| Purpose | Additional mode of Aadhaar authentication |
| Tech Used | 1:1 Facial Matching (live image vs. Aadhaar database image) |
| Other Aadhaar Modes | OTP-based, fingerprint, iris-based authentication |
| Key Benefit | Helps eliminate biometric mismatches due to age, labor, etc. |
Why It Matters?
- Enhances accuracy in welfare delivery, especially in remote & hilly areas
- Aims to ensure inclusion where fingerprint/iris authentication may fail
- Supports real-time, transparent ration delivery under the PDS
Wider Implications
- Could set precedent for nationwide adoption in other welfare schemes
- Boosts digital governance and last-mile delivery using biometric innovation
- Aligns with Digital India and JAM trinity (Jan Dhan–Aadhaar–Mobile) objectives