Aadhaar Linkage: UIDAI provides various modes of authentication

Aadhaar Linkage

Aadhaar Authentication using fingerprint depends upon number of factors viz. quality of fingerprint, network connectivity, placement of finger etc. However, few senior citizens, persons engaged in manual labour or individuals with specific disabilities may face difficulties in fingerprint authentication.

UIDAI provides various modes of authentication viz Demographic, Biometric (Finger Print + IRIS), OTP and Multi-factor authentication. The Service Provider may choose suitable mode(s) of authentication.

As per para 14(1)(i) of Aadhaar (Authentication) Regulation 2016, a requesting entity has to implement exception-handing mechanisms and back-up identity authentication mechanisms to ensure seamless provision of authentication services to Aadhaar number holders.

Further, DBT Mission, Cabinet Secretariat vide their letter dated 19.12.2017 has issued guidelines on exception handling for use of Aadhaar in benefit schemes of Government, which inter-alia has stipulated the following mechanism in respect of cases where Aadhaar authentication fails:

i.Departments and Bank Branches may make provisions for IRIS scanners along with fingerprint scanners, wherever feasible.

ii.In cases of failure due to lack of connectivity, offline authentication system such as QR code bases coupons, Mobile based OTP or TOTP may be explored.

iii.In all cases where online authentication is not feasible, the benefit/ service may be provided on the basis of possession of Aadhaar, after duly recording the transaction in register, to be reviewed and audited periodically.

  

World Class Bullet Proof Jackets for Army

Government Contracts World Class Bullet Proof Jackets for Army Under ‘Make In India’ Initiative

A major contract through capital procurement route, for procurement of 1,86,138 Bullet Proof Jackets (BPJs) has been signed. The impending requirement of the Indian Army for effective BPJs, has been met after successful conduct of stringent field evaluation trials.

The contracted BPJs have contemporary and state-of-the-art specifications with added protectional level and coverage area. These ergonomically designed BPJs have modular parts, thereby providing immense protection and flexibility to soldiers operating in different operational situations ranging from long distance patrolling to high risk room intervention scenarios. The new BPJs will provide 360 degree protection to the soldier in combat, including from latest hard steel core bullets.

The concerns for BPJs for the Indian Army, have been raised at the highest levels, even in the civil domain and media reports amidst heightened security situation, along the borders and in the hinterland in the disturbed areas. The provisioning of this operationally urgent and very critical equipment concerning personal ballistic protection, will boost the confidence of the soldier and provide moral ascendency to security forces.

The case was processed as a ‘Buy Indian’. The provision of these new BPJs was done by Indian manufacturers who were successful in the trials. This has given an impetus to the ‘Make in India’ initiative of the Government, and provides confidence that the Indian Industry is capable of fulfilling the requirements of Indian Army for its personal protective equipment.

7th CPC CEA: Total Claim for Academic Year 2017-18

Children Education Allowance: CEA is paid to government employees to take care of schooling and hostel requirements of their children. Before VI CPC recommendations, the scheme was known as Children Education Assistance and provided at the following rates:

The VI CPC rationalized the structure to the following:

Component	Recommended rate	Remarks
Children Education Allowance	Rs.1500 pm	Whenever DA increases by 50%, CEA shall increase by 25%
Hostel Subsidy	Rs.4500 pm	Whenever DA increases by 50%, Hostel Subsidy shall increase by 25%

7th Pay Commission recommended as follows:

Component	Recommended rate (pm)	Remarks
Children Education Allowance	Rs.1500 x 1.5 = 2250	Whenever DA increases by 50%, CEA shall increase by 25%
Hostel Subsidy	Rs.4500 x 1.5 = 6750 (ceiling)	Whenever DA increases by 50%, Hostel Subsidy shall increase by 25%

The total re-imbursement amount can be claimed per child per year:

Re-imbursement Per Child Per Year
M/Y	CEA	HS	DAC
Apr-17	1500	4500	3000
May-17	1500	4500	3000
Jun-17	1500	4500	3000
Jul-17	2250	6750	4500
Aug-17	2250	6750	4500
Sep-17	2250	6750	4500
Oct-17	2250	6750	4500
Nov-17	2250	6750	4500
Dec-17	2250	6750	4500
Jan-18	2250	6750	4500
Feb-18	2250	6750	4500
Mar-18	2250	6750	4500
Total	24750	74250	49500