MeriPehchaan – National Single Sign-On (NSSO) – 2025 – IMPRI Impact And Policy Research Institute

Policy Update
Agamya Goyal

Source: https://images.app.goo.gl/L5jhP1psBRiiX8eC6

Background

Launched on 4 July 2022 under Digital India, MeriPehchaan (NSSO) integrates Jan Parichay, e‑Pramaan, and DigiLocker into a single authentication framework. 

Its goal: to reduce credential fatigue, streamline access to government portals, and strengthen security via Aadhaar/PAN/mobile-based identity verification and multi-factor authentication (MFA). It benefits all Indian citizens using digital public services.

Functioning

1. User Onboarding

Citizens register via mobile/email and authenticate using Aadhaar e-KYC, PAN, or D/L. Upon verification, they set a password/PIN and OTP-based MFA .

2. Access & Authentication Flow

Once logged in, users are seamlessly redirected to integrated services. Secure tokens are exchanged via open-standard APIs (API Setu), preventing repeated logins.

3. Federated Architecture & Security

MeriPehchaan acts as the central Identity Provider (IdP). Service owners tap into this via standardized API access. The platform adheres to strong encryption, OTP-based MFA, Aadhaar-vaulting, and audit logging.

4. Operational Considerations

While integration simplifies user experience, reports note occasional OTP delivery delays and downtimes during peak periods—especially for vaccination certificates and tax filings.

Source: https://meripehchaan.gov.in/MeriPehchaan | Govt. of India

Performance (2022–2025)

Data from MeitY, Digital India, and official dashboards reveal rapid growth:

Over 132 crore transactions processed in 2024 across all DPI services.

• MeitY’s 2022–23 annual report confirms NSSO’s inclusion in India Stack.
• Adoption is uneven: States like Maharashtra and Gujarat lead, while northeastern and hill regions lag with fewer than 100 integrated services.

Budget allocation for NSSO has risen ~15% YoY, highlighting MeitY’s prioritization under Digital India.

Impact

• Citizen Convenience: “One login, many services” feedback is widespread; it empowers access to health certificates, tax portals, and banking.
• Trust & Security: Aadhaar vaulting and MFA reduce risks of credential misuse.
• Ecosystem Efficiency: Integration with key platforms (Co-WIN, eShram, EPFO) supports smoother delivery.
• Unequal Reach: Rural, elderly, and those without smartphones face challenges. CSCs help but don’t fully bridge the digital literacy gap in remote areas.

Emerging Issues

1. Integration Gaps
   • State and utility portals are slow to onboard.
   • Solution: Technical and financial support for smaller departments.
2. Digital Exclusion
   • OTP-based systems exclude non-smartphone users.
   • Solution: Offer offline e-KYC via CSCs and introduce voice-based login.
3. Privacy & Centralization
   • Central data-vaulting without comprehensive data protection concerns activists.
   • Solution: Enact Data Protection Bill, independent audits, transparent SLAs.
4. Reliability
   • Peak-time downtimes hinder critical access.
   • Solution: Scale infrastructure with backup systems and real-time outage alerts.
5. Low Awareness
   • Many citizens and smaller agencies unaware of MeriPehchaan.
   • Solution: Launch multilingual campaigns and training programs.

Way Forward

• Expand Coverage: Aim for 100% integration of state utilities (electricity, water, LPG) by 2026.
• Enhance Authentication Modes: Add biometric/facial Aadhaar login and app-based MFA.
• Governance & Monitoring: Introduce a centralized dashboard tracking SLAs, usage, privacy compliance.
• Strengthen Data Protection: Finalize and implement India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Bill.
• Boost Literacy & Access: Partner with CSCs, rural banks and conduct village-level workshops in multiple languages.

References 

About the contributor: Agamya Goyal is a Research Intern at IMPRI and a Master’s student in Economics at IT College  Lucknow.

Acknowledgement: The author extends her sincere gratitude to the IMPRI team and Ms. Aasthaba Jadeja for her invaluable guidance throughout the process.

Disclaimer: All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organisation.

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