A one-day state-level workshop on the subject of ‘Aadhaar Authentication and Verification’ was organized today, Thursday, by the Department of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of Chhattisgarh. The objective of the workshop was to provide state government officials and employees with practical information regarding the technical processes of Aadhaar authentication and verification, offline verification, face authentication, and the secure use of Aadhaar services.
The chief guest at the workshop was Smt. Reena Babasaheb Kangale, Secretary of the Department of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Protection. She stated that Aadhaar authentication is a crucial process for ensuring that the benefits of government schemes and services reach the intended beneficiaries. While its effective implementation presents certain practical challenges, knowledge of the Aadhaar offline verification system is vital and useful for officials and the concerned departments.
Highlighting the challenges associated with beneficiary verification, Smt. Kangale noted that ensuring beneficiary identity through fingerprint-based Aadhaar authentication has strengthened transparency in Chhattisgarh’s Public Distribution System (PDS) and bolstered the process of delivering scheme benefits to eligible beneficiaries. She added that the workshop would provide officials and departmental representatives with a better understanding of Aadhaar authentication and verification procedures, enabling them to ensure their effective utilization in accordance with established provisions.
- Over 1,100 Aadhaar Seva Kendras Operational Across 33 Districts
During the workshop, Shri Mayank Agrawal, CEO of the Chhattisgarh Infotech Promotion Society (CHiPS), informed that more than 1,100 Aadhaar Seva Kendras are currently operating within government premises across all 33 districts of Chhattisgarh under an in-house model. These centers provide citizens with secure, accessible, and reliable facilities for Aadhaar enrollment and updates. He further stated that over 3.17 crore (31.73 million) Aadhaar registrations have been completed in the state to date. Mandatory Biometric Updates for Over 7 Lakh Children
Shri Agarwal stated that special Aadhaar camps have been organized across various districts of the state to ensure easy access to Aadhaar services for citizens. With a specific focus on the mandatory biometric updates for children in the 5–15 and 15–17 age groups, the mandatory biometric details of more than 7 lakh children have been successfully updated through these camps so far.
- Approval to Open 14 New Aadhaar Seva Kendras in the State
Shri Agarwal informed that the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has granted permission to open 14 new Aadhaar Seva Kendras for the convenience of the citizens of Chhattisgarh. Operations have already commenced in five districts—Durg, Mahasamund, Raipur, Bilaspur, and Janjgir-Champa—while work is underway at the remaining locations. In addition to these 14 sites, CHiPS has submitted a proposal to the UIDAI to open Aadhaar Seva Kendras in seven other districts.
- Information Provided on Safe Aadhaar Usage and Prescribed Procedures
Speaking at the workshop, Lt. Col. Praveen Chaudhary—Director of the Aadhaar Usage Division and Media at UIDAI, New Delhi—stated that clear rules and established protocols are in place for various Aadhaar-related processes under the provisions of the Aadhaar Act. He noted that Aadhaar is being utilized to make identity verification for citizens both seamless and secure. Lt. Col. Chaudhary explained that citizens can verify their Aadhaar themselves, with facilities available for both online and offline verification. While providing information on safe usage, prescribed verification procedures, citizen convenience, and data security provisions, he emphasized the necessity of using Aadhaar services in accordance with established rules and procedures. He further mentioned that offline Aadhaar verification could also be utilized by private entities, such as business organizations and banks, through the official Aadhaar mobile app. Mr. T. Ramakrishna, Director of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), Regional Office, Hyderabad, attended the workshop as a speaker. He provided detailed information regarding the phased expansion of the Aadhaar system in the country and the technical and institutional infrastructure developed for it. He noted that the continuous expansion of Aadhaar Seva Kendras has steadily increased citizens’ access to services such as enrollment, updating, and authentication. He also elaborated on the technical architecture of Aadhaar, the service delivery mechanism, and the systems and processes operating at various levels to ensure its smooth functioning.
- Detailed discussion on Aadhaar verification processes during technical sessions
During the workshop’s technical sessions, participants were provided with practical information regarding offline Aadhaar verification, face authentication, and the secure use of Aadhaar services. Experts explained in detail the utility of offline verification in areas with limited network connectivity, as well as the benefits and application of face authentication in situations where fingerprint or iris authentication might be difficult.Over 150 Officials Participated
More than 150 officials from various departments participated in the workshop, including Mr. Bhaskar Vilas Sandipan, Managing Director of the Chhattisgarh State Civil Supplies Corporation; Mr. S. Jayavardhan, Director of the Directorate of Treasury and Accounts; Dr. Fariha Alam, Director of the Directorate of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection; Mr. Shashank Pandey, Additional CEO of CHiPS; and Joint CEOs Mr. Anupam Ashish Toppo and Mr. Ashish Jaiswal.