JK Achieves 55.2 Percent Aadhaar Seeding Across 76 DBT Schemes

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir has achieved 55.2 percent Aadhaar seeding across 76 Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes, covering a total of 7,883,610 beneficiaries, officials said on Wednesday.

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo directed all departments to complete the remaining Aadhaar seeding within two months, calling it essential for ensuring transparency and timely delivery of benefits.

At a high-level review meeting attended by administrative secretaries and officers from the Finance Department, the Chief Secretary said Aadhaar integration was not just a tool for eliminating middlemen but also a prerequisite for implementing SNA-SPARSH—a just-in-time fund release system being made mandatory for all Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS). He said the aim was to ensure every rupee of assistance reaches the intended beneficiary without any dilution or diversion.

Dulloo instructed all departments to nominate liaison officers who will receive training from the Finance Department to ensure a smooth transition to the SNA-SPARSH framework. The system, supported by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), is expected to optimise financial management and fund utilisation across schemes.

The Social Welfare Department has achieved 96 percent Aadhaar seeding, with 1,392,359 out of 1,445,462 beneficiaries covered. Schemes such as Ladli Beti, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, Post Matric Scholarship for OBCs, and the Integrated Social Security Scheme have reported 100 percent Aadhaar seeding.

The Labour and Employment Department has achieved 100 percent Aadhaar seeding across all listed schemes, including Chronic Disease Assistance, Death Assistance, Education Assistance, Funeral Assistance, and Medical Assistance, covering 4,543 beneficiaries.

The Education Department has achieved 59 percent overall seeding. The Mid-Day Meal Scheme reported 100 percent Aadhaar seeding for 985,267 beneficiaries. Schemes such as the Meritorious Student and National Scholarship also achieved full seeding.

The Rural Development Department recorded 93 percent Aadhaar seeding for 1,198,381 beneficiaries. Within this, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) covered 1,081,860 beneficiaries with 98 percent Aadhaar seeding.

The Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD) Department reported 100 percent seeding for the subsidised sugar scheme for the PHH category.

The Health and Medical Education Department reported 60 percent overall Aadhaar seeding. Schemes such as ASHA Incentives, Family Planning Compensation, Janani Suraksha Yojana, and Nikshay Poshan Yojana reported 100 percent seeding.

The Agriculture Department reported 58 percent Aadhaar seeding.

The meeting also reviewed the progress of Aadhaar seeding in the departments of Animal and Sheep Husbandry, Horticulture, Housing and Urban Development, Finance, Skill Development, Youth Services and Sports, Industries and Commerce, and Tribal Affairs.

Principal Secretary Finance, Santosh D. Vaidya, provided a detailed overview of the DBT schemes across departments. He shared a roadmap to achieve full Aadhaar seeding and identified contact points in each department to help resolve technical or procedural issues. He said support would also be provided by NPCI in the implementation of SNA-SPARSH.

The review was held under the Centre’s “DBT Bharat” and “Apna Adhikar, Apne Dwar” initiatives, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to transparent and targeted delivery of welfare benefits.