Aadhaar authentication mandatory for Employees’ State Insurance beneficiaries: How to seed details

The requirement is based on Section 142 of the Code on Social Security, 2020.

Under Section 142, beneficiaries are required to establish their identity, including for registration and for accessing benefits and services under the ESI Scheme, through Aadhaar. The provision also covers family members and dependants in applicable cases.

How to link Aadhaar with ESIC Pehchan Card

ESIC beneficiaries can seed their Aadhaar details through the ESIC portal. The process involves Aadhaar authentication through OTP.

• Step 1: Visit the ESIC website. Go to the official ESIC website and select “Insured Persons and Beneficiaries.”
• Step 2: Log in. Enter your ESIC user ID and password to access your account.
• Step 3: Select Aadhaar seeding. After logging in, choose the “Aadhaar Seeding for IP” option.
• Step 4: Start Aadhaar linking. Against the name of the insured person (IP), select “Click Here to Seed Aadhaar.”
• Step 5: Enter Aadhaar number and complete the OTP verification process.
• Step 6: Note the reference number. After submitting the details, a reference number is generated. Keep it for future reference.
• Step 7: Wait for verification. The Aadhaar details will be linked to the ESIC record after the verification process.

Why is Aadhaar being linked to ESIC?

ESIC’s Aadhaar-seeding system is intended to authenticate beneficiaries and support e-KYC. ESIC documents also list preventing duplicate insured-person records and enabling authentication during service delivery among the purposes of Aadhaar seeding.

What does Section 142 say?

Section 142 provides for Aadhaar-based identification of an employee, unorganised worker or other person, as well as their family members or dependants, for registration, seeking benefits and receiving medical attendance or payments under the Social Security Code.

The Labour Ministry advised ESIC in May 2026 to implement mandatory Aadhaar-based identification and authentication under the provision. It also said ESIC must comply with the Aadhaar Act, including requirements relating to privacy, security and protection of beneficiary information.

Is there a deadline to link Aadhaar?

The Ministry’s September 7 communication announcing the mandatory requirement does not specify a separate deadline for beneficiaries to seed their Aadhaar. Beneficiaries can check their ESIC records and complete the process through the official ESIC portal.