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Context: The PM-Kisan app introduced a face authentication feature, becoming the first central welfare program to use this technology. This feature allows beneficiary farmers to scan their faces on mobile devices and complete their e-KYC procedure, without requiring one-time passwords or fingerprints.

Details

• PM KISAN APP is a mobile application developed by the Government of India to provide financial assistance to small and marginal farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme. It also provides information on various schemes and initiatives related to agriculture and rural development.

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme

• The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme is a flagship initiative of the Government of India to provide income support to farmers.
• The scheme was launched in 2019 and has benefited more than 120 million farmers.
• Under the scheme, eligible farmers receive Rs 6,000 per year in three equal instalments directly into their bank accounts.
• To make the scheme more accessible and convenient for the farmers, the government has also launched a mobile app called PM-Kisan.
  • The app allows farmers to check their payment status, update their details, register for the scheme and access other information related to the scheme.
  • The app is available in 12 languages and can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or the PM-Kisan portal.

Recent update

• Recently, the PM-Kisan app has added a new feature that makes it the first government scheme to have face authentication. This feature enables farmers to verify their identity using their face image captured by the app.
• The face authentication feature is based on artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies and uses the Aadhaar database to match the face images of the farmers.
• The face authentication feature has several benefits for farmers and the government.
  • It reduces the need for physical verification of documents and biometric authentication, which can be time-consuming and costly.
  • It enhances the security and transparency of the scheme by preventing fraud and misuse of funds.
  • It improves the user experience and convenience of the app by making it easier and faster for farmers to access the scheme.

Some examples of how the face authentication feature works:

• A farmer who wants to register for the PM-Kisan scheme can use the app to scan his Aadhaar card and then take a selfie. The app will compare his face image with the Aadhaar database and verify his identity within seconds.
• A farmer who wants to check his payment status can use the app to log in with his face image. The app will show him his payment history and balance without asking for any other credentials.
• A farmer who wants to update his details such as bank account number or address can use the app to do so with his face image. The app will validate his changes and send him a confirmation message.

Conclusion

• The face authentication feature is currently being tested in a pilot mode in some states and will be rolled out nationwide soon. The government hopes that this feature will further boost the adoption and satisfaction of the PM-Kisan scheme among the farmers and help them achieve their financial goals.

Must Read Articles:

PM-KISAN: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/prime-ministers-kisan-samman-nidhi-pm-kisan

https://www.news18.com/business/pm-kisan-mobile-app-becomes-the-first-government-scheme-to-have-face-authentication-8153059.html

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