Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, known as Lalan Singh, has proposed replacing Aadhaar with biometric authentication and voter ID numbers for beneficiary payments. The Congress and the CPI(M) criticised the proposal, citing the ongoing SIR of electoral rolls.Singh was speaking at the National Workshop on People’s Plan Campaign 2026-27 organised by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj on Oct. 30.
Singh said Aadhaar would no longer serve as the basis for payments to beneficiaries. He argued enrolment centres are now widespread and people obtain Aadhaar cards within minutes. Officials would instead identify beneficiaries through biometric authentication and EPIC numbers. The minister did not name the schemes covered. He gave no timeline.
Congress leader Pawan Khera alleged the proposal forms part of a larger plan to exclude people from the electoral and welfare systems. He wrote on X on Nov. 5, “First, strip people of their political voice by deleting them from the rolls. Then strip them of their welfare entitlements for not being on them.” Khera claimed the SIR has removed at least 13.3 crore Indians. He warned millions would become second-class citizens.
The CPI(M) Politburo opposed mandatory voter ID and biometric authentication for welfare payments. Its statement described the SIR as a ‘surgical strike’ on voting rights and a systematic exercise in mass disenfranchisement. The party said rural beneficiaries face extra barriers.