The Uttar Pradesh government's ambitious Family ID initiative is transforming how citizens access state and central welfare schemes, achieving a significant milestone with over 15.7 crore people now registered under the system. This digital framework is designed to streamline and bring transparency to the delivery of benefits, ensuring eligible families do not miss out on the support they are entitled to.
How the Family ID System Works
At the core of this initiative is a unique identification number issued to each family. Principal Secretary (Planning) Alok Kumar explained that the ID consolidates information about every family member, detailing which of the 98 government schemes they are currently benefiting from. Crucially, it also identifies schemes for which they are eligible but not yet availing. This holistic view enables targeted and efficient governance.
The registration process is being facilitated at the grassroots level. In urban areas, lekhpals are responsible for preparing the Family IDs, while in rural regions, gram panchayat officers are leading the effort. This ensures wide reach and local accessibility. So far, the system has seen impressive field saturation, with 100% of address details, 85% of mobile numbers, and 54% of marital status information successfully ascertained.
Massive Adoption and Digital Integration
The public response has been substantial, with over 44 lakh citizens already applying for various schemes directly through the dedicated Family ID portal. To further ease access, the Family ID is also being made available on DigiLocker, the national digital document wallet. Additionally, the state has distributed more than 19 lakh physical Family ID cards to residents across Uttar Pradesh.
Kumar outlined the robust five-level technical process that integrates the Family ID with welfare schemes. This includes Aadhaar notification, database digitisation, Aadhaar authentication, creating a dedicated Family ID field on scheme portals, and finally, integration with various departmental databases. "This comprehensive framework ensures transparent and seamless delivery of benefits to eligible families across the state," Kumar stated.
Impact on Governance and Citizen Welfare
The Family ID system represents a major leap in digital governance and administrative efficiency. By having complete household details under a single identification number, the government can eliminate duplication, reduce leakage, and ensure benefits reach the intended beneficiaries swiftly. The system covers a vast array of 98 schemes, including 13 from the central government, creating a unified gateway for social welfare.
The initiative is a cornerstone of the state's efforts to leverage technology for public good, moving towards a model where citizens no longer have to navigate complex bureaucratic procedures to access their rightful benefits. With nearly 70% field saturation already achieved, the Family ID is poised to become the backbone of a more accountable and citizen-centric welfare ecosystem in Uttar Pradesh.
