New Delhi, Oct. 21 -- Children cannot be denied benefits under the Pre-Matric Scholarships Scheme for Scheduled Castes and Others because Aadhaar authentication fails or they cannot furnish proof of possessing Aadhaar, the Centre has stipulated, subject to prescribed alternative identity verification.

The Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry's notification, also protects children who produce an enrolment application while awaiting an Aadhaar number.

The notification requires beneficiaries to undergo Aadhaar authentication or furnish proof of possessing an Aadhaar number. Those without Aadhaar must apply for enrolment. For children, the application requires the consent of a parent or legal guardian.

However, it expressly states that be...