The High Court of Karnataka has sought the response of the Government of Karnataka on a petition challenging the mandatory facial recognition system for distributing Take-Home Ration under the Poshan 2.0 scheme.
The plea was filed by Karnataka Rajya Anganawadi Noukarara Sangha, affiliated with the All India Federation of Anganwadi Workers & Helpers.
Workers raise rural access concerns
During the hearing before Justice Sachin Shankar Magadum, counsel for the union argued that physical verification should continue for ration distribution.
The petitioners said poor internet connectivity and digital limitations in rural areas were making the system difficult to implement and affecting the smooth delivery of benefits.
They claimed the mandatory facial recognition requirement had made the scheme largely ineffective in several areas.
Show-cause notices highlighted
The court was also informed that some Anganwadi workers had reportedly received show-cause notices for failing to comply with facial recognition requirements while distributing ration supplies.
The judge asked the Additional Advocate General for the state to examine the issue and report back to the court.
Privacy concerns also raised
The petition seeks to quash government directives that made facial recognition mandatory for beneficiary registration, ration distribution and attendance monitoring in Anganwadi centres.
Workers have also argued that compulsory collection of biometric and personal data may conflict with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
Poshan 2.0 scheme focus
According to the Union Ministry of Women & Child Development, Poshan 2.0 aims to combat malnutrition among children, adolescent girls, pregnant women and lactating mothers.
The matter is expected to come up for further hearing.