Govt to Roll Out Aadhaar Biometric Authentication for Highway Land Compensation
The government is set to introduce biometric authentication through Aadhaar for transferring compensation related to land acquisition in highway projects. This initiative aims to guarantee that the actual landowners receive the funds directly into their bank accounts, enhancing transparency and efficiency in the disbursement process.
Direct Transfers to Ensure Fair Compensation
By leveraging Aadhaar-based biometric verification, the system will facilitate instant transfers of compensation amounts once the OTP-based authentication is successfully completed. This move is designed to eliminate intermediaries and prevent fraudulent claims, ensuring that the rightful beneficiaries are compensated promptly and accurately.
Pilot Program in Five States
Highways agencies under the road transport ministry are currently conducting a pilot program in five states: Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Karnataka. This trial phase will help refine the process and address any operational challenges before a nationwide rollout.
Significance of Highway Land Acquisition
Land acquisition for public purposes, particularly for highway development, constitutes the largest share of such activities. In the current financial year, approximately Rs 19,800 crore has been disbursed for the acquisition of 10,100 hectares of land dedicated to highway projects, according to informed sources.
This substantial investment underscores the critical role of efficient compensation mechanisms in supporting infrastructure growth and maintaining public trust in government initiatives.
