The Delhi government has announced that Aadhaar authentication is now compulsory for individuals applying for purchase and scrapping incentives under the Delhi Electric Vehicle Policy, 2026. This directive, issued by the Delhi Transport Department on November 3, aims to bolster the integrity of the subsidy program by preventing duplicate and fraudulent claims.
New Verification Process for EV Incentives
Applicants seeking these incentives will be required to provide their Aadhaar number and complete an OTP-based authentication process through the department’s dedicated online EV incentive portal. This new requirement applies to both purchase and scrapping incentives, which are disbursed via direct benefit transfer (DBT).
The move is a strategic effort to tighten verification protocols and eliminate potential loopholes in the disbursement of subsidies. By linking applications directly to Aadhaar, the government intends to reduce the possibility of multiple or false claims, thereby ensuring that public funds are directed solely to eligible beneficiaries. The official notification explicitly states the need to confirm applicants' identities, deter fraudulent activities, and guarantee precise verification.
Safeguards for Applicants Without Aadhaar
Recognizing that some beneficiaries may not yet possess an Aadhaar number, the notification includes important safeguards. Individuals without an Aadhaar can still apply for benefits by submitting their Aadhaar enrolment ID slip. This must be accompanied by one of four alternative identification documents: a bank or post office passbook with a photograph, a PAN card, a passport, or a voter ID.
Furthermore, the Transport Department will facilitate Aadhaar enrolment services at its district offices for those beneficiaries who have not yet enrolled. In situations where OTP or time-based OTP authentication is not feasible, applicants may use a physical Aadhaar letter for identity verification. The authenticity of such letters will be confirmed through the QR code printed on the document, with the department mandated to provide QR code readers at convenient locations.
The department has also been instructed to widely publicize the new Aadhaar requirement and implement the Central government’s prescribed exception-handling mechanisms to ensure that genuine beneficiaries are not unfairly denied incentives.