Integration of databases to boost AB PM-JAY coverage

In Context

• The National Health Authority (NHA) is working to integrate the database of Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 beneficiaries with the National Food Security Act (NFSA) portal so that beneficiaries can seek information regarding their entitlements under the AB PM-JAY using their ration card number.

Major Points 

• NHA has collaborated with various ministries implementing welfare schemes to strengthen the different aspects of scheme implementation including inter alia beneficiary awareness campaigns, beneficiary database (SECC 2011) enrichment etc. 
• The beneficiary database enrichment under AB PM-JAY would mean adding additional parameters to the database for ease of search. 
  • The majority of AB PM-JAY beneficiaries from SECC 2011 are also eligible for benefits under National Food Security Portal (NFSA). 
• NHA is also working on a proposal to use Fair Price Shops or Ration shops for providing information related to the scheme and entitlement under the scheme to eligible beneficiaries. 
  • This will provide an additional avenue to beneficiaries along with the existing Common Service Center for card creation. This will make the beneficiary identification process very convenient.
• However, the existing beneficiary data available with various Government welfare schemes can be meaningfully utilized only if a common identifier is available. 
  • Aadhaar being a common identity across the majority of Government databases will enable this integration.  
  • Further, Aadhaar also ensures certainty regarding beneficiary identification through e-KYC. e-KYC enables paperless delivery of services in a targeted manner.

Source:TH