The process for PMJAY eKYC for beneficiaries aged 70 years and above, performed by a VLE, is largely similar to the standard eKYC process, with the key difference being the eligibility criterion: individuals aged 70 years or above are eligible regardless of their economic status, based on their Aadhaar age. This means the system will primarily verify their age through Aadhaar.
Here’s a step-by-step process for VLEs:
Prerequisites for VLEs:
- Active PMJAY UMP ID: Ensure your VLE operator ID is active and approved on the PMJAY User Management Portal (UMP).
- Biometric Device (Fingerprint/Iris Scanner): A certified biometric device is essential for Aadhaar authentication.
- Internet Connectivity: Stable internet connection.
- Beneficiary’s Aadhaar Card: Original Aadhaar card of the beneficiary.
- Beneficiary’s Mobile Number: A mobile number (preferably linked to Aadhaar, but not always mandatory for eKYC itself, though OTP verification often uses it).
Step-by-Step eKYC Process for 70+ Beneficiaries (by VLE):
- Login to the BIS Portal/Ayushman App as Operator:
- Go to the official PMJAY Beneficiary Identification System (BIS) portal (
https://beneficiary.nha.gov.in/
or relevant state portal) or use the Ayushman Mobile App. - Log in using your VLE operator credentials (CSC Connect or registered mobile number with OTP).
- Go to the official PMJAY Beneficiary Identification System (BIS) portal (
- Select Scheme and Search Beneficiary:
- Once logged in, select the relevant scheme (e.g., PMJAY).
- Select the State and District.
- Choose a “Search By” option (e.g., Aadhaar Number, Ration Card Number, Name, etc.). For beneficiaries above 70, searching by Aadhaar Number is usually the most straightforward way, as their eligibility is directly linked to their Aadhaar age.
- Enter the required details and click “Search.”
- Identify the Beneficiary:
- The system will display a list of beneficiaries matching your search criteria.
- Look for the senior citizen (70+ years old) in the list. Their “Card Status” might be “Unidentified” or “Pending eKYC.”
- Click on the “Do eKYC” or “Link Aadhaar” icon next to their name.
- Initiate Aadhaar-Based eKYC:
- An authentication pop-up will appear.
- Select the eKYC mode:
- Aadhaar OTP: If the beneficiary’s mobile number is linked to their Aadhaar, an OTP will be sent to that number. The VLE will need to enter this OTP.
- Aadhaar Fingerprint/IRIS Scan/Face Auth: This is commonly used, especially for senior citizens who may not have their Aadhaar linked to a mobile number or find it difficult to use OTPs. The VLE will use their biometric device to capture the beneficiary’s fingerprint or iris scan, or use face authentication.
- The system will verify the Aadhaar details against the database.
- Review and Capture Details:
- Upon successful Aadhaar authentication, the beneficiary’s details (name, date of birth, gender, address) from Aadhaar will be pre-populated.
- Capture Live Photo: The VLE needs to capture a live photograph of the beneficiary. Ensure good lighting and a clear background.
- Verify/Update Other Details: Check and update any other required fields, such as mobile number, correspondence address, and family details.
- Crucially, for 70+ beneficiaries, ensure their age is correctly reflected based on their Aadhaar data. The system should automatically recognize their eligibility based on this.
- If the Aadhaar only has the birth year, the system typically considers January 1st of the year following the recorded birth year as the date of birth for eligibility purposes.
- Add Family Members (if applicable): If other family members are also eligible (including other 70+ members or existing PMJAY beneficiaries in the family unit), you can add them using the “Add Member” feature. Each added member will also require their Aadhaar eKYC.
- Declaration and Submission:
- The VLE will need to confirm that all entered details are accurate to the best of their knowledge.
- Click “Submit.”
- Card Generation and Download:
- If the eKYC match score is high (usually above 80%), the request will be auto-approved, and the Ayushman Card for the senior citizen (sometimes referred to as “Ayushman Vay Vandana Card” in this context) can be generated and downloaded almost immediately or within 15 minutes.
- If there’s a mismatch or the score is lower, the request might go for manual approval to the State Health Agency (SHA) or other designated authorities. In such cases, the VLE will need to inform the beneficiary to check the status later.
Important Considerations for VLEs:
- Admin Code: Remember that for VLE role creation and sometimes for specific eKYC processes, an “Admin Code” might be required. This code is dynamic and provided by your CSC District Manager. Always ensure you have the latest valid admin code if prompted.
- Network Connectivity: A stable internet connection is vital for seamless eKYC, especially with biometric authentication.
- Beneficiary Assistance: Senior citizens may require extra assistance during the process. Be patient and clearly explain each step.
- Proof of Relationship: While Aadhaar is primary, if adding other family members, documents like marriage certificates, birth certificates, or adoption certificates might be required as relationship proof.
- No Income Limit for 70+: Emphasize to beneficiaries above 70 that their eligibility is purely based on age (as per Aadhaar), irrespective of their income or socio-economic status.
- Card Download: After successful eKYC and approval, help the beneficiary download and print their Ayushman Card.
- Helpline: If you encounter any technical issues or have queries, you can contact the PMJAY helpline (14555) or CSC support.
This process ensures that eligible senior citizens aged 70 and above can quickly and easily get their Ayushman Cards and avail the benefits of the PMJAY scheme.