Amid the clamour across the northeast for tighter control to weed out non-citizens, Arunachal Pradesh has approved a family-based identification system ostensibly to streamline public welfare distribution.
Introduced by the State’s Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on March 6, the Arunachal Pradesh Arun Parivar Authority Bill was passed by voice vote in the 60-member Assembly on March 11. The legislation entails the introduction of the Arun Parivar Patra (APP), a unique family identifier, and the establishment of the Arun Parivar Patra Authority to oversee its implementation.
Allaying fears of government control aired by some MLAs, Mr. Mein said the APP is envisaged to serve as a single-point identification system for families to avail of beneficiary schemes. “Eligible residents can apply online or through Common Service Centres (CSCs) using Aadhaar, proof of residence, and basic family details,” he said.
He said the Arun Parivar Patra Authority would be responsible for maintaining a resident data repository, framing guidelines for the CSCs, ensuring data security, integrating the APP identification with existing welfare databases, and managing the grievance redressal mechanism.
“Strong encryption and legal safeguards would be in place, with penalties for unauthorised access, false information, and corporate misuse,” Mr. Mein said.
