Odisha Aadhaar Linking NSAP Pension: Why the New Rule Was Introduced
The Odisha government has mandated, Odisha Aadhaar Linking NSAP Pension that all beneficiaries of social security schemes should link their Aadhaar with the bank account from which pension is directly transferred. Many pensioners have raised their eyebrows as those who have not linked their Aadhaar with their bank accounts will be deprived of their pensions in the future.
Odisha Aadhaar Linking NSAP Pension: What Beneficiaries Should Do
Odisha Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Department has issued a directive that all eligible beneficiaries of the Centre’s pension scheme for senior citizens, widows, Odisha Aadhaar Linking NSAP Pension and people with disabilities should link their Aadhaar with the bank account to get their payments.
The department has asked all district collectors to take prompt action about it, and the process has already begun at the district and block levels. The government has decided that pensions will be directly transferred to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries. It has also issued guidelines in this regard to all the district collectors.
Aadhaar seeding is mandatory under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) and will commence this financial year. The government will utilize the Odisha Aadhaar Linking NSAP Pension SNA-SPARSH digital platform to make the process easier for the pensioners.
Officials said that the new system would prevent leakage of money and detection of “ghost beneficiaries” from welfare data base. The letter from Suresh Kumar Vashishth, Principal Secretary of the department said that 335850 people in state had not linked their Aadhaar card with their bank account. Odisha Aadhaar Linking NSAP Pension, The directions state Aadhaar seeding and e-KYC need to be done first before final “linking”.
“Aadhaar linkage advisory has been issued. Through this, we can detect duplicate and ghost beneficiaries. Since Aadhaar linkage is being adopted in all major schemes as a procedure, it has been decided to adopt it in this one too,” said Ganjam Collector V. Keerthi Vasan.
Many senior citizens and physically challenged persons might not be able to go to banks or Aadhaar centres.
Odisha Aadhaar Linking NSAP Pension: Concerns Over Beneficiary Exclusion
The government has been advised to take note of such vulnerable beneficiaries and offer their needs. The authorities have assured that necessary arrangements would be made for those who are not able to do it on their own.
There were also concerns that some beneficiaries living in remote areas with limited access to banks and networks may be excluded from the system if the new deadline is implemented from the 2026-27 fiscal year. They are also likely to watch the implementation process closely to make sure that no one eligible is actually deprived of their benefits.
“We are facing a lot of difficulties in getting pensions. It must be provided in our panchayats,” said Kamini Manik, an aged beneficiary.
“Block and district officials are interacting with several beneficiaries in their habitations along with our Aadhaar teams. We are giving them necessary help to link Aadhaar,” said Kendrapara District Social Security Officer, Sangram Keshari Beura.
The government has also directed that adhaar seeding and e-KYC processes should be prioritized at the block level before linking to the banks. The district level adhaar coordinators will give all support to resolve technical issues.
This is a step towards ensuring transparency and effective pension delivery to the state’s most vulnerable citizens.