Himachal Pradesh has been awarded a National Certificate of Recognition by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) for its pioneering implementation of Aadhaar-based face authentication in the Public Distribution System (PDS). The award was presented during the Aadhaar Day celebrations held on 29th September 2025 in Hyderabad, under UIDAI’s nationwide initiative ‘Samvad’.
According to a spokesperson from the Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department, Himachal is the first state in India to adopt this innovative technology for ration distribution at fair price shops. Developed in collaboration with the Department of Digital Technologies and Governance (DDTG) and UIDAI, the face authentication system is cost-effective, user-friendly, and enhances transparency and efficiency in public service delivery.
This initiative has particularly benefited senior citizens, differently-abled individuals, and residents in remote areas who often face challenges with traditional biometric methods such as fingerprint scans or OTP-based authentication. The state’s proactive approach highlights its leadership in harnessing digital tools to strengthen governance and ensure inclusive access to essential services.
