Millions of families in Rajasthan once held a Bhamashah card. Pensions, scholarships and other government help reached their bank accounts through it. Then people started hearing that the Bhamashah Yojana had closed and a Jan Aadhaar card was being made instead. This guide explains the full truth in simple words – when Bhamashah closed, why it closed, what your old card is worth now, and how to get a Jan Aadhaar card, check its status and download the e-card.
First, the most important point: no new applications are taken under the name Bhamashah Yojana anymore. Everything that the Bhamashah card used to do is now done by the Jan Aadhaar card. So if anyone asks you for money to make a Bhamashah card, that person is giving you wrong information.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme name | Bhamashah Yojana (closed) – now Jan Aadhaar Yojana |
| State | Rajasthan |
| Bhamashah launched | 15 August 2014 |
| Jan Aadhaar announced | 18 December 2019 |
| Bhamashah merged | Into Jan Aadhaar Yojana in 2020 |
| Jan Aadhaar family ID | 10-digit number |
| Member ID | 11-digit number |
| Official portal | janaadhaar.rajasthan.gov.in |
| SSO portal | sso.rajasthan.gov.in |
| Enrolment through own SSO ID | Free of cost |
What Was the Bhamashah Yojana?
The Bhamashah Yojana was a direct benefit transfer (DBT) scheme of the Rajasthan government. The idea first came up in 2008, but the scheme actually launched on 15 August 2014. It is regarded as the first family-based DBT scheme of its kind in the country.
Its most special feature was that the woman of the house was the head of the family. The bank account and the Bhamashah card were made in her name, so that decisions about government help stayed in her hands. Pensions, scholarships, MGNREGA wages and health insurance benefits went directly into this account. Aadhaar-based biometric identification made sure the benefit reached the right person.
At one point, about 1.74 crore families were covered under the scheme. That is why people still search by the name Bhamashah today, even though the scheme name has changed.
When and Why Did Bhamashah Close?
After the change of government in Rajasthan in 2019, the new government decided to replace the Bhamashah card with a new card. The Jan Aadhaar card was announced on 18 December 2019, and in 2020 the Bhamashah Yojana was merged into the Jan Aadhaar Yojana.
The government said there should be one identity for all services – one number, one card, one identity. The old Bhamashah card carried a chip, while the Jan Aadhaar card is based on a QR code. Scanning the QR code shows the cardholder’s details at once. Another reason given was that the old card carried the photo of the former chief minister and a scheme symbol the new government wanted to change.
It is important to understand that this was not only a name change. The aim behind Jan Aadhaar was to build a database of every resident family, with demographic and socio-economic information, so that benefits from different state schemes could reach people through a single ID.
Bhamashah vs Jan Aadhaar – What Changed?
| Detail | Bhamashah Card | Jan Aadhaar Card |
|---|---|---|
| Launched | 15 August 2014 | Announced 18 December 2019 |
| Identity | Bhamashah number | 10-digit family ID + 11-digit member ID |
| Card technology | Chip-based card | QR code-based card |
| Head of family | Woman of the house | Woman above 18, else man above 21, else eldest member |
| Status | Closed, merged into Jan Aadhaar | Active scheme |
What Is the Jan Aadhaar Card?
The Jan Aadhaar scheme is based on the idea of one number, one card, one identity. Every resident family gets a 10-digit Jan Aadhaar family ID, and every member of the family gets a separate 11-digit member ID. The card also works as documentary proof of identity and address for the head of the family and all members.
Through this ID, cash benefits of state schemes are transferred directly into the beneficiary’s bank account in a transparent way. It also helps take e-commerce and insurance facilities closer to homes in rural areas. Ration card and NFSA status are linked to Jan Aadhaar too, so if a ration card number is not linked, the Food and Supply Department has to be contacted.
Benefits of the Jan Aadhaar Card
The Jan Aadhaar card is more than an identity card. First, scheme money goes straight into the bank account, with no middleman in between. Second, one ID can be used to check eligibility for many schemes, instead of submitting separate documents again and again. Third, it can be used as identity and address proof. Fourth, adding a member, removing a member, splitting a family or transferring a member to another family is all done through the same portal.
Keep in mind that the Jan Aadhaar card by itself does not pay money. It is the identity and DBT channel. The benefit of any scheme depends on that scheme’s own eligibility rules.
Who Can Get a Jan Aadhaar Card?
Any resident family that has been living in Rajasthan for at least 6 months can enrol in Jan Aadhaar. State government employees and pensioners who are not residents of the state or are working outside the state can also enrol.
The rules for head of the family are clear. First preference goes to a female member above 18 years of age. If there is no female member above 18 in the family, a male member aged 21 years or more can become head. If neither is available, the eldest member of the family is treated as head.
Documents Required for Jan Aadhaar
Keep these documents ready before enrolment:
- Aadhaar number of the head of the family and all family members above 5 years of age.
- Bank account passbook or cheque book of the head of the family. Passbooks of other members too, if they want their accounts linked.
- Photograph and birth certificate or Aadhaar number of members up to 5 years of age.
- Address proof – electricity bill, water bill, Aadhaar card, PAN card or passport.
- For a member older than 5 years and born after 1 January 2018, both Aadhaar number and birth certificate are mandatory.
- For a member born outside Rajasthan, an Aadhaar number is mandatory.
How to Apply for a Jan Aadhaar Card (Step-by-Step)
Enrolment happens in two ways – through your own SSO ID online, or by visiting an e-Mitra kiosk. Enrolment through your own SSO ID is free. Through e-Mitra, the fee prescribed by the government may apply.
Steps through SSO:
- Log in to the SSO portal, sso.rajasthan.gov.in, with your SSO ID.
- Click the Jan Aadhaar icon and choose Enrolment.
- Enter the Aadhaar number of the proposed head of the family and complete Aadhaar authentication through OTP.
- Fill in the details of the head of the family and other members, and upload the supporting documents.
- Complete the e-sign process through Aadhaar OTP. After this, the application moves ahead for verification.
- There is a two-level verification – in rural areas, first by the Village Development Officer and second by the Block Statistical Officer; in urban areas, first by the Executive Officer and second by the Subdivision Officer. After successful verification, the 10-digit family ID and 11-digit member IDs are issued.
If you do not have an SSO ID, the same process can be completed at the nearest e-Mitra kiosk, where Aadhaar authentication happens through biometrics or OTP.
How to Check Jan Aadhaar Status
There are three easy ways to check enrolment status:
- Jan Aadhaar app: Download the Jan Aadhaar app from the Google Play Store, log in with SSO and choose Get Jan Aadhaar Status.
- SSO portal: Log in with your SSO ID and check Enrolment Status in the Jan Aadhaar section.
- By SMS: Send an SMS to 7065051222 in this format – JAN JID followed by your 15-character Jan Aadhaar enrolment ID, or your 12-digit UID (Aadhaar) number, or your 10-digit mobile number. Example: JAN JID 1234567890.
If the status looks stuck, the most common reasons are: e-KYC of the head of the family or members is pending, or the bank details of the head of the family are not updated. The Jan Aadhaar number is not issued until both are complete. Bank details are updated only after verification by NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India), which can take some time.
How to Download the Jan Aadhaar E-Card
After the Jan Aadhaar ID is issued, the e-card can be downloaded free of cost. Log in to the Jan Aadhaar portal with your own SSO ID, verify through OTP and choose Get E-Card. It can also be obtained from the nearest e-Mitra kiosk.
The e-card is password protected. The password rule is: the first 4 letters of the head of the family’s name (in English, capital letters) + the date and month of birth (DDMM). As per the official example, if the head of the family is named SANTOSH DEVI and the date of birth is 20 January 1970, the password will be SANT2001. Never share your real password with anyone.
Why Is E-KYC Necessary?
In Jan Aadhaar, Aadhaar e-KYC is mandatory for the head of the family and all members above 5 years of age. Through it, the name, date of birth, gender and photograph come directly from the Aadhaar database into Jan Aadhaar, which reduces wrong entries. For children below 5 years, e-KYC is done through the birth certificate (if issued in Rajasthan) or Aadhaar e-KYC (if issued outside the state). E-KYC can be done at the nearest e-Mitra or through the Family eKYC option in SSO.
I Have an Old Bhamashah Card – What Should I Do Now?
If you hold an old Bhamashah card, there is no need to worry. Bhamashah family data was brought into the Jan Aadhaar system and such families were given a new Jan Aadhaar number. First, find out your Jan Aadhaar number – from your SSO profile, from the Jan Aadhaar app, or through the SMS method given above.
If you cannot find the number, visit the nearest e-Mitra kiosk and get your details checked. It is possible that your e-KYC is incomplete or your bank details are not updated. You do not need to get a new card made in the name of Bhamashah and you do not need to file a fresh application – the only work is to keep your Jan Aadhaar number active and updated.
How to Update (Correct) Jan Aadhaar Details
Any correction in Jan Aadhaar can be made through e-Mitra or your own SSO ID. The correction is done through Aadhaar authentication by the head of the family or an adult member, and it is updated only after two-level verification. Mobile number, address, income and bank account details can be changed the same way. One point to note: family income for the previous financial year only can be entered, by uploading ITR or a notary-verified document. If there is a typing error, one correction chance is given.
On splitting a family, the split members get a new family ID, but their member IDs stay unchanged. The member transfer facility also exists on the portal. In case of a member’s death, the Jan Aadhaar number should be given while obtaining the death certificate, so that the name is removed automatically.
Beware of Fake Websites and Agents
Many fake websites and agents cheat people in the name of Jan Aadhaar. Remember: enrolment and corrections through your own SSO ID are free. Only when done through e-Mitra does the government-prescribed fee apply. If anyone demands a large amount in the name of making a Jan Aadhaar card, avoid them and get information from the nearest e-Mitra kiosk or official helpline. Always use only the official portals, janaadhaar.rajasthan.gov.in and sso.rajasthan.gov.in.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Bhamashah Yojana still active?
No. The Bhamashah Yojana was merged into the Jan Aadhaar Yojana in 2020. No new applications are taken under the name Bhamashah now. The same work is done by the Jan Aadhaar card.
What is my old Bhamashah card useful for now?
The old Bhamashah card is no longer used as a fresh identity. You should find out your Jan Aadhaar family ID number and use it for all work.
How do I find my Jan Aadhaar number?
From your SSO profile, from the Jan Aadhaar app using Get Jan Aadhaar ID, or by sending JAN JID with your enrolment ID, Aadhaar number or mobile number to 7065051222.
What is the password of the Jan Aadhaar e-card?
The first 4 letters of the head of the family’s name (capital letters) + date and month of birth (DDMM). For example, for SANTOSH DEVI born on 20 January, the password is SANT2001.
How much does it cost to get a Jan Aadhaar card?
Enrolment through your own SSO ID is free. Through an e-Mitra kiosk, the government-prescribed fee may apply.
My Jan Aadhaar status is stuck. What should I do?
First check whether e-KYC of the head and all members is complete and whether the head’s bank details are updated. The number is issued only after both are done.
Does the Jan Aadhaar card directly give money?
No. Jan Aadhaar is the identity and DBT channel. Money under any scheme depends on that scheme’s own eligibility.
Who can be the head of the family?
First preference is a female member above 18 years, then a male member above 21 years, and if neither is available, the eldest member of the family.
This article is published on a private information portal (not a government website). The information is based on the Rajasthan government’s Jan Aadhaar portal and public sources. For the final and correct information, always check the official portal janaadhaar.rajasthan.gov.in.
Also read: how to check Rajasthan land records (Jamabandi and Khata copy) online, and see our Rajasthan schemes category for other state guides.
