Clearing its stand over mandatory use of Aadhaar card for availing the benefits of centrally funded schemes, Central government on Thursday announced that no one will be deprived of benefits under ICDs (Integrated Child Development Services) for lack of the 12-digit biometric identification number.
Putting the rumours to bed, the government's official release said, "Reports by media are 'factually incorrect' as no one will be deprived of their benefits under ICDs scheme and other welfare programmes under Women and Child Development Ministry for lack of Aadhaar card."
The statement also said, "In the case of mid-day meal scheme and under ICDs scheme, the schools and Anganwadis have been asked to collect the Aadhaar number of the children beneficiaries. Also, in case a child does not possess the card, school or ICDS functionary will be required to provide enrollment facilities to the child. Till Aadhaar number is assigned, the benefits will continue."
Considering the usefulness of Aadhaar in curbing leakages and bringing transparency in the delivery system, the government has recently issued orders to use Aadhaar in several other welfare schemes funded from the Consolidated Fund of India.
"While these orders require beneficiaries of these programmes to give their Aadhaar number, it has also been ensured that no one will be deprived of the benefits," it read.
Total savings by plugging leakages on account of Aadhaar introduction during the last two-and-a-half years in just a few schemes amount to over Rs 49,000 crore.
On reports about cash transfers under ICDS, the Centre clarified that there is no plan at present to substitute the existing scheme with cash transfers.
"Under ICDS, Supplementary Nutrition is provided in the form of Taking Home Ration (THR) to children 6-36 months' age group (including malnourished children) and pregnant women and lactating mothers. But for children between three to six years of age, Hot Cooked Meal is provided at Anganwadi centres," stated the release.
Also, "As there have been complaints about THR quality, the government is considering ways to improve the system," it said, adding that Centre is also exploring the possibility of conditional cash transfer in lieu of THR in select districts as a pilot as one of the options. However, the final decision in the regard is yet to be taken.