IMPHAL, June 24: The Directorate of Social Welfare, Government of Manipur, has announced that Aadhaar-based e-KYC and facial recognition will become mandatory for all beneficiaries under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) starting July 1, 2025. The verification must be completed using the Poshan Tracker mobile application to ensure continued access to supplementary nutrition services.
The directive applies to pregnant and lactating mothers, children aged six months to six years, and adolescent girls aged 14 to 18 years who receive nutrition under the Take Home Ration (THR) scheme through Anganwadi Centres. According to the department, the initiative is aimed at enhancing accessibility, promoting transparency, and streamlining service delivery through digital means.
To complete the verification, beneficiaries are required to download the Poshan Tracker app from the Google Play Store. Users must access the “Beneficiary/Citizen” section, log in using their registered or unregistered mobile number, and proceed with Aadhaar OTP-based e-KYC. They will also need to capture a live photograph in good lighting conditions and submit the details through the app.
From August 1, 2025, Aadhaar e-KYC and facial recognition will also be mandatory for any new registrations on the Poshan Tracker. The Social Welfare Department further clarified that biometric authentication has already been enforced under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) since May 21, 2025. Data from the Poshan Tracker will be integrated with the PMMVY system to ensure data consistency and avoid duplication of beneficiaries.
Director of Social Welfare Anna Arambam assured the public that all beneficiary data is protected under government data security protocols. She emphasized that this digital verification method will ensure services are provided only to genuine recipients while eliminating the risk of fraudulent or duplicate entries.
Beneficiaries who experience technical or procedural difficulties are encouraged to contact their nearest Anganwadi worker or ICDS Project Office for assistance.
