Aadhaar Authentication Mandatory for Availing MSP on Cotton

"An individual eligible for receiving benefits under the Scheme shall be required to furnish proof of possession of an Aadhaar number or undergo Aadhaar authentication," according to a notification published by the Textiles Ministry on April 17.

It further stated that this will take effect on the date it is published in the Official Gazette in all States and Union territories. The MSP for medium staple cotton is Rs 6,080 for the 2022-23 kharif season, while the MSP for long staple cotton is Rs 6,380.

According to the notification, using Aadhaar as an identity document for the delivery of services, benefits, or subsidies streamlines government delivery processes, increases transparency and efficiency, and allows beneficiaries to receive their entitlements directly in a convenient and seamless manner by eliminating the need to produce multiple documents to prove one's identity.

The Textiles Ministry manages Cotton Corporation of India Limited's procurement of seed cotton with the goal of providing MSP if the price falls below it. Under the Scheme, the Implementing Agency pays farmers MSP for cotton purchased from farmers in accordance with the Scheme and instructions published. The scheme's benefit entails recurring expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India (CFI), which is why the Centre issued the announcement.

If the farmer does not already have an Aadhaar but has applied, he must produce the Aadhaar Enrolment Identification slip along with any of the identifying documents. A Bank or Post Office Passbook with Photo, Permanent Account Number (PAN) Card, Passport, Voter Identity Card, Driving Licence or Certificate of Identity with Photo issued by a Gazetted Officer or a Tehsildar on official letterhead are examples of such papers.

In circumstances when Aadhaar authentication fails due to the beneficiaries' inadequate biometrics or for any other reason, the announcement has also offered remedial procedures. As a result, if the fingerprint quality is low, the iris scan or face authentication facility will be used for authentication.

If biometric authentication by fingerprints, iris, or face is not successful, authentication via Aadhaar OTP will be offered. In circumstances when biometric or Aadhaar OTP authentication is not available, benefits under the Scheme may be granted based on the authenticity of a physical Aadhaar letter, which may be validated using the Quick Response (QR) code written on the Aadhaar letter.