Dehradun: The Uttarakhand government’s ambitious plan to introduce a centralized family identification system has moved a step closer to reality with the Governor granting approval to the Devbhoomi Family ID Act, 2026. Under the new law, every family residing in the state for at least 15 years will be issued a unique Devbhoomi Family ID.
The initiative, long in the works under the Pushkar Singh Dhami government, aims to create a comprehensive digital database of residents. This centralized system will serve as a “family passbook,” providing detailed information about government schemes available to each household, as well as records of benefits already availed. Officials say the ID will streamline welfare delivery, reduce duplication, and ensure transparency in governance.
Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ganesh Joshi described the Act as a landmark step toward efficient administration. The government believes the database will empower citizens by giving them direct access to scheme-related information, while also enabling authorities to monitor implementation more effectively.
The law also includes strict provisions against misuse. Tampering with the database could lead to penalties of up to 10 years in prison and fines reaching ₹50 lakh. This clause, officials argue, is necessary to safeguard sensitive information and maintain public trust in the system.
The Devbhoomi Family ID is expected to provide complete demographic and socio-economic details of households, helping the state plan policies more accurately. By integrating welfare schemes into a single digital platform, the government hopes to reduce leakages and ensure benefits reach the intended recipients.
With the Governor’s approval, the path is now clear for the rollout of the Devbhoomi Family ID across Uttarakhand. The state Congress has yet to respond formally, but political observers note that the scheme could become a significant talking point in the run-up to the 2027 Assembly elections, as it touches directly on governance, welfare delivery, and citizen empowerment.
L R Bureau
