Arunachal approves bill for family welfare ID

Guwahati: Arunachal Pradesh has approved a family-based identification system aimed at streamlining public welfare distribution amid calls across the northeast for tighter control to eliminate non-citizens.

State Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein introduced the Arunachal Pradesh Arun Parivar Authority Bill on March 6, which the 60-member Assembly passed by voice vote on March 11.

The legislation introduces the Arun Parivar Patra (APP), a unique family identifier, and establishes the Arun Parivar Patra Authority to oversee its implementation.

Addressing concerns about government control raised by some MLAs, Mein explained that the APP would serve as a single-point identification system for families to access beneficiary schemes.

“Eligible residents can apply online or through Common Service Centres (CSCs) using Aadhaar, proof of residence, and basic family details,” he said.

Mein added that the Arun Parivar Patra Authority would manage a resident data repository, create guidelines for CSCs, ensure data security, integrate the APP with existing welfare databases, and handle grievance redressal.

Authorities will implement strong encryption and legal safeguards, with penalties for unauthorized access, false information, and corporate misuse,” Mein added.