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The Indian government has successfully processed over 2 billion beneficiary records using encrypted Aadhaar under 34 major welfare schemes. This initiative has significantly expanded the scope of social security, covering 65% of India’s population (92 crore people) under at least one welfare program.

What is This Initiative and Why is it Important?

According to the Ministry of Labour and Employment, efforts are underway to consolidate India’s social security data in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO). This data collection process aims to enhance the effectiveness of welfare programs.

Which Schemes Used Encrypted Aadhaar?

The government has incorporated encrypted Aadhaar authentication into 34 major schemes, including:

• EPFO (Employees’ Provident Fund Organization)

• MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act)

• ESIC (Employees’ State Insurance Corporation)

• Atal Pension Yojana (APY)

• PM Poshan (Mid-Day Meal Scheme)

65% of India’s Population Now Receives Social Security Benefits

The initiative has revealed that 65% of India’s population receives some form of social security benefit. Among them:

• 48.8% receive direct cash benefits

• Others receive various non-monetary benefits through government schemes

Which States Are Part of the Data Collection Process?

The first phase of this initiative has been rolled out in 10 states, including:

• Uttar Pradesh

• Rajasthan

• Maharashtra

• Madhya Pradesh

• Tamil Nadu

• Odisha

• Andhra Pradesh

• Telangana

• Karnataka

• Gujarat

How Will This Initiative Benefit India?

According to the ILO’s assessment, India’s current social security coverage is estimated at 48.8%, but this figure excludes in-kind benefits such as food rations and healthcare services. When all benefits are accounted for, the actual coverage will be much higher.

Key benefits of this initiative include:
✅ Improved transparency in welfare schemes
✅ Faster and more effective implementation of programs
✅ Direct benefit transfer to eligible beneficiaries
✅ Reduction in corruption and elimination of fraudulent claims

India’s adoption of digital Aadhaar-based processing marks a significant step in strengthening social security. Moving forward, this data will play a crucial role in shaping future welfare policies and guidelines.