Aadhaar Authentication for Road Transport and Infrastructure Projects: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways Notification
Introduction: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued a notification (S.O. 3588(E)) on August 10, 2023, regarding the voluntary use of Aadhaar authentication for online registration of key personnel engaged by consultancy firms for road transport and infrastructure construction bids for projects of the Ministry. This notification is in accordance with the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits, and Services) Act, 2016 and the Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance (Social Welfare, Innovation, Knowledge) Rules, 2020.
Key Provisions: The notification outlines the following key provisions:
- Voluntary Aadhaar Authentication: Sub-section (2) of clause (b) of sub-section (4) of section 4 of the Aadhaar Act allows for voluntary authentication for purposes prescribed by the Central Government in consultation with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and in the interest of the State.
- Purposes for Aadhaar Authentication: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways made an application to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology under the Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance Rules, 2020, seeking permission to use Aadhaar authentication for the following purposes:
- Usage of digital platforms for good governance.
- Prevention of dissipation of social welfare benefits.
- Enablement of innovation and the spread of knowledge.
- Authentication for Key Personnel in Infrastructure Projects: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has been authorized to use Aadhaar authentication on a voluntary basis for the verification of key personnel involved in road and infrastructure construction work and evaluation of bids for projects. This authentication will be conducted during the online registration process.
- Methods of Authentication: The Ministry may carry out Aadhaar authentication using biometric/One Time Password methods as well as e-KYC services for e-Governance applications through its implementing agency, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited.
- Conditions for Authentication: The Ministry will perform Aadhaar authentication by using the service application of UIDAI and fetching demographic information of residents only after obtaining their consent.
Implications: This notification enables the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to use Aadhaar authentication for verifying key personnel involved in road and infrastructure projects. The authentication will be carried out on a voluntary basis and in compliance with the Aadhaar Act and associated rules. It aims to enhance transparency, prevent misuse of social welfare benefits, and streamline the process of registering key personnel for infrastructure projects.
Effective Date: The notification comes into force from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.
Conclusion: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ notification reflects the government’s commitment to leveraging Aadhaar authentication for enhancing transparency, good governance, and efficient service delivery in road transport and infrastructure projects. It aligns with the broader vision of using technology for innovation and improved public service delivery.
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MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
NOTIFICATION
New Delhi, the 10th August, 2023
S.O. 3588(E).—WHEREAS sub-section (2) 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 (18 of 2016) allows performing authentication on voluntary basis for such purposes as the Central Government in consultation with Unique Identification Authority of India and in the interest of the State, may prescribe;
AND WHEREAS the Central Government has made the Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance (Social Welfare, Innovation, Knowledge) Rules, 2020 (hereinafter referred to as the said rules) under which the Government can seek permission to use aadhaar authentication on voluntary basis, for the following purposes, namely: —
(a) usage of digital platforms to ensure good governance;
(b) prevention of dissipation of social welfare benefits; and
(c) enablement of innovation and the spread of knowledge.
AND WHEREAS the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has made an application to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology under rule 4 of the said rules for using aadhaar authentication for verification for online registration of key personnel being engaged by consultancy firms for Road Transport and Infrastructure construction bids for projects of the Ministry;
AND WHEREAS the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology authorised the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways under rule 5 of the said rules for performance of aadhaar authentication of residents, on voluntary basis, using yes or no and e-KYC authentication facility, for establishing the identity of key persons involved in road and infrastructure construction work and evaluation of bids for projects of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the Central Public Work Department and State Public Works Departments during the process of online registration;
NOW, THEREFORE. in pursuance of rule 5 of the Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance (Social Welfare, Innovation, Knowledge) Rules, 2020, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways hereby notifies the following, namely: —
a. the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways may carry out authentication using biometric/ One Time Password methods as well as e-KYC service for the e-Governance applications of Ministry through its implementing agency, National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited shall abide by the terms and conditions of the Memorandum of Understanding entered into between the Ministry and National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited for sub-authentication user agency mentioned under rule 4 of the said rules;
b. the aadhaar authentication of residents shall be performed by the Ministry through its implementation agency
National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited by using service application of the Unique Identification Authority of India and then fetch demographic information of the residents using biometric and one-time password only after obtaining the consent of the resident concerned;
2. This notification shall come into force from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.
[F. No. A-12025/8/2023-NHIDCL Cell]
MAHMOOD AHMED, Addl. Secy.
