<h1>State adopts biometric face-authentication for public food distribution to improve access, cost-effectiveness, and inclusion for seniors, disabled, and remote residents</h1> A state government received national recognition from the national identification authority for implementing biometric face-authentication technology in public food distribution. The project, developed jointly with the state digital technology department and the national authority, replaces or supplements fingerprint and OTP methods to verify beneficiaries at fair price shops. Authorities describe the solution as cost-effective, operationally simple and yielding higher authentication success, improving accessibility for seniors, persons with disabilities and remote residents. Legal considerations include administration of public benefits, data protection and biometric consent, operational governance and compliance with applicable identification and privacy regulations.