Aadhar Card

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) issues Aadhaar that is a 12-digit unique identification number to all residents of India. Residents get this number by providing their biometric and demographic details at the various government-authorized Aadhaar Enrolment Centres. This programme was launched by the former prime minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, in 2009.

In April 2010, Nandan Nilekani, who was appointed as the Chairman of UIDAI on June 23rd 2009, launched the logo and the brand name “Aadhaar”. Aadhaar is a Hindi word that means ‘base’ or ‘foundation’. Currently, Mr. Pankaj Kumar is the CEO of UIDAI/Aadhaar. On September 29, 2010, Ranjana Sonawane from Nandurbar district of Maharashtra state became the first Indian to receive the Aadhaar card.

Eligibility for Aadhaar Enrolment

The purpose of issuing Aadhaar to the citizens of India by UIDAI was to provide them with a document that can be used as unique identity proof for various purposes. It is more than just an identification number. However, it is also not only Indians that can apply for Aadhaar.

The eligibility criteria for Aadhaar enrolment are as follows:

• The applicant is an Indian Citizen residing in India, or
• The applicant is a non-resident Indian residing in India, or
• Aadhaar applicant is a foreigner residing in India

Note: Even newborns can enrol for a special type of Aadhaar known as Baal Aadhaar

Aadhaar Card for Resident Indians

Every Indian citizen can apply for an Aadhaar card. Moreover, the Government of India has now made it mandatory for taxpayers to link their PAN with Aadhaar for filing their annual Income Tax Return (ITR).

Aadhaar Card for Minors

Aadhaar enrolment is available even for minors, unlike the voter identification card. To apply for an Aadhaar card for children, you have to provide the birth certificate of the child along with the proof of identity and address of parents. Newborns can also be enrolled for Aadhaar. However, they have to update their biometric data as soon as they turn 5 and 15 years old. The Baal Aadhaar card for children below 5 years is blue in colour.

Aadhaar for Foreigners

An Aadhaar card does not act as proof of Indian citizenship. It just contains various details such as biometric data necessary to identify a person. Thus, foreigners who are residing in India are eligible for Aadhaar even though they are citizens of another country. However, they have to reside in India for more than 182 days in the past 12 months to be eligible for Aadhaar.

Documents Required for Aadhaar Enrolment

At the time of Aadhaar enrolment, you have to submit two documents – Proof of address (POA) and Proof of Identity (POI). According to UIDAI, any of the following documents would be accepted as the proof of identity to apply for an Aadhaar Card.

Here is the list of the documents required for Aadhaar Card:

• Passport of the applicant
• PAN Card
• Ration card or PDS Photo Card
• Voter Identification Card
• Driving Licence
• NREGS Jobs Card
• Photo Bank ATM Card
• Voter Identification Card
• Certificate of birth of the applicant

To apply for a new Aadhaar card or updating details in your Aadhaar card, you can download the form by visiting Aadhar card official website, i.e. https://uidai.gov.in or can visit the nearest Aadhaar enrolment center to submit Aadhar card enrolment form which is free of cost. You need to submit the form along with the supporting documents to initiate the process of Aadhaar enrolment.

Note: In case you want to update details in your Aadhaar card, you need to pay a charge of Rs. 25 at the Aadhaar Enrolment Centre.

How to Apply for Aadhaar Card

Considering the importance of Aadhaar and its various benefits, the next question that arises is – How to get the Aadhaar card? There are systematic protocols and a step by step process which needs to be followed to apply for an Aadhar Card.

The applicant is required to provide the necessary information at the time of Aadhaar enrolment and when such data is verified, the Aadhaar card is generated. You can check the Aadhaar enrolment status online as well.

The step by step application process of the Aadhaar Card is as follows:

1. Aadhaar Enrolment Centre

• Visit the nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre authorised by the UIDAI to apply for an Aadhaar
• Submit your Proof of Identity (POI) and Proof of Address (POA) when applying for an Aadhaar card
• You can also locate Aadhaar Enrolment Centre using the online portal of UIDAI

2. Fill the Aadhaar Enrollment Form

• Upon visiting Aadhaar enrolment centre, you need to submit an Aadhaar Enrolment form
• This form is free of cost and you can also  download it from the UIDAI official website
• After filling the form, you can submit it at your nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre

3. Photograph and Biometric Data Collection

• After the form is submitted, the process of enrolment takes place
• In this method, the photograph, fingerprint scan and iris scan of the individual is taken
• During the enrolment procedure, it is of utmost importance that the individual double-checks all the provided details in the form and make any rectifications if an error is found

4. Acknowledgement Slip

• After enrolment, you will now receive an acknowledgement slip that can be used in place till the time you receive the original copy of your Aadhaar card
• The slip contains the enrolment number that can be used to check Aadhar status online as well as through IVR
  

5. Dispatch of Aadhaar to the Address of the applicant

• If the Aadhar verification process is successful, you initially receive an SMS or a notification through email
• After that, in a few days, the Aadhaar number gets printed on the Aadhaar Card of the individual and is sent to his/her verified residential address through post

How to Check Aadhaar Application Status Online?

You can check the Aadhaar Card application status online using ‘Enrolment ID’ which is available in the Aadhaar Acknowledgement slip containing the 14-digit enrolment number and 14 digit date and time of enrolment.

However, there are various methods by which you can check your Aadhaar Application Status:

• Through Enrolment ID
• Without Enrolment ID/Acknowledgement Slip
• Using Update Request Number (URN)
• From India Post

Click here to know in detail  how to check Aadhaar application status online https://www.paisabazaar.com/aadhar-card/aadhar-card-status/

How to Verify or Link Mobile Numbers with Aadhaar?

People can link their mobile number with Aadhaar by following one of the three ways:

1. Aadhaar Linking with Mobile Number by visiting the Store – To link your Aadhaar with Mobile Number you can visit the nearest store.

2. Aadhaar Linking with Mobile Number through OTP – People can link their Aadhaar with Mobile through OTP via online mode as well.

3. Aadhaar linking with Mobile Number through IVR

Read More: How to Link Mobile Connection with Aadhaar

Process to Download or Print e-Aadhaar Card Online

Once the Aadhar card status enquiry shows that your Aadhaar number is generated, it is dispatched to your residential address. However, you can download your Aadhaar online as well. There are various ways through which you can download your Aadhar card. They are using:

• Aadhaar Number
• Name and Date of Birth
• Without Registered Mobile Number
• Enrolment Number (EID)
• Virtual ID
• DigiLocker Account
• Umang App

Note: You can print the downloaded e-Aadhaar card and use it as your original Aadhaar till the original Aadhaar reaches you. The e-Aadhar card is also acceptable at all places.

Also Read: How to Download Aadhaar Card

How to Link PAN with Aadhaar?

The Union Government of India has made it mandatory for people to link their PAN with Aadhaar for filing ‘Income Tax Return’ under the Section 133 AA (2) of the Income Tax Act. As of now, the deadline for linking PAN with Aadhaar card is 31 March 2021.

The ways to link to PAN with Aadhaar are as follows:

• Linking PAN with Aadhaar through the e-filing website
• Linking of Aadhaar Number and PAN via SMS

How to Change Address in Aadhar Card Without Any Address Proof

When you shift to a new city or change your house after marriage, you do not have a valid address proof due to which you can face a lot of problems. However, you can now update your address in Aadhaar card without documents and use it as a valid address proof.

This can be done with the help of Aadhaar Address Validation Letter that is provided by the address verifier. The verifier’s address is updated in your Aadhaar card as well. However, no other details of the verifier are imported to your Aadhaar apart from the address. A verifier can be your relative, friend, family member or landlord whoever is willing to provide you his/her address details.

The process to Link Aadhaar with Bank Account

The Reserve Bank of India made it compulsory for all the bank accounts to be linked with Aadhaar in 2017. However, as per the Supreme Court’s judgement in 2018, it is no longer a compulsion to link your Aadhaar with the bank account.

Even though, if you want to link Aadhaar with Bank Account, the procedure is as follows:

• Link Aadhaar with Bank Account via Internet Banking
• Bank’s Mobile Application
• By Visiting the nearest bank branch
• ATM
• SMS Service
• Mobile Number

Suggested Read: How to link Aadhaar with Bank Account

How to Lock/Unlock your biometrics?

Aadhaar acts as the proof of identity and proof of address for the citizens of India which are one of most important documents for availing government related services.  However, UIDAI provides the security of your Aadhaar by providing the facility to lock/unlock Aadhaar biometric data online. The ways to lock and unlock your Aadhaar biometric data online are as follows:

• Lock/Unlock Aadhaar Biometric through UIDAI
• Lock/Unlock Aadhaar Biometric via mAdhaar app

Also Read: How to Lock and Unlock Biometrics in Aadhaar

Aadhaar Card Benefits

The Government of India issues an Aadhaar number to every Indian citizen which acts as a proof of identity everywhere in the country. There are a range of benefits of having an Aadhaar card, as mentioned below:

Identity Card

Aadhaar is an identity card accepted by all government and non-government organisations even though it is not a citizenship document. It not only has the photograph of the card holder but also contains biometric details like fingerprints and iris image. Aadhaar card also contains a QR code that can be scanned to verify whether the details mentioned in the card are correct or not.

Proof of Address/Residence

Aadhar card contains the residential address of the card holder. It can thus be used as a proof of residence for various governmental as well as non-governmental verification processes. Aadhaar is also considered a valid proof of residence when applying for various financial products like share market investments, mutual funds, home loan, personal loan, credit card, etc. as well as for availing financial services such as filing ITR.

Government Subsidy

The government has made it compulsory for people to link their bank accounts with Aadhaar to avail subsidies under different schemes. In order to get the subsidy directly in the bank account for schemes such as Pahal, Atal Pension Yojna, kerosene subsidy, school subsidy, food subsidies and others, people have to mandatorily furnish their Aadhaar.

Bank Accounts

Aadhaar has become a key document along with PAN for opening bank accounts these days. These days banks need only Aadhaar card and PAN to open a bank account for the applicant. Jan Dhan accounts also need Aadhaar of the applicant. However, it is not compulsory to link your bank account with an Aadhar card.

Income Tax

The Income Tax Department has made it compulsory for taxpayers to link Aadhaar to PAN. Aadhaar would now mandatorily be required while paying income tax and filing returns otherwise the ITR application of the taxpayer would not be processed. The deadline for linking Aadhaar with PAN has been extended to 30th June 2020.

Phone Connection

Almost all telecom companies provide phone connections after accepting Aadhaar as a proof of identity/address. Once Aadhaar is provided, the connection gets activated in the least possible time.

Gas Connection

People have to provide their Aadhaar for getting a new gas connection. In case they want to avail subsidy on their present gas connection, they will have to fill the KYC form and link Aadhaar with their bank account to get subsidy directly in their account under the Pahal (DBTL) scheme.

Mutual Fund

Using the Aadhar Card, you could earlier complete e-KYC for mutual fund investments as mandated by SEBI. Even though the earlier e-KYC process is no longer operational, the investment account opening process is simplified in case you have your Aadhar card.

Note: The current limit for complete e-KYC for mutual fund accounts is Rs 50,000 per year per fund. To override this limitation, in person biometric verification needs to be completed by the investor.

UIDAI Aadhaar Card Services

• You can download an Aadhaar card online from the  official website of UIDAI
• You can check Aadhaar status if your Aadhaar is generated after enrolment or not
• You can easily locate Aadhaar Enrolment/ Update Centre in your area in case you want to visit there to update your details via UIDAI online portal
• If you forget/misplace your Aadhaar/Enrolment number, you can retrieve Lost UID/EID online quite easily
• You can update your Address online by visiting the UIDAI’s portal free of cost
• You can also verify your Aadhaar number of a resident  through the online portal
• A resident can lock and unlock Aadhaar biometrics online as well as through the mAadhaar app
•  Aadhaar-bank account linking status can be checked by an employee online
• You can track all authentication requests in the past 6 months by checking Aadhaar authentication history
• To protect your aadhaar and provide an added layer of security, you can generate or retrieve your Aadhaar Virtual ID against Aadhaar number

Find more about Aadhaar Card

What is UIDAI?

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) provides a unique identity to every individual residing in India, which now  acts as a centre point of most of the government schemes. The organisation works under the central government and has its data centre at IMT Manesar, Haryana.

How to Fill Aadhaar Enrolment/Correction Form?

Applicants have to fill the Aadhaar Enrolment/Correction Form if they want to enrol for Aadhaar or they want to make corrections in their existing Aadhaar. The duly filled Aadhaar card correction/enrolment form should be submitted to process the request.

Also Read: How to Fill Aadhaar Enrolment/Correction Form

How to verify your Aadhaar Card?

Aadhaar card verification is done to check whether an Aadhaar is valid or not. To verify Aadhaar, you have to do the following:

Step 1: Visit the UIDAI website and click on “Verify Aadhaar Number”
Step 2: Enter the Aadhaar number you want to verify
Step 3: Enter the security code
Step 4: If the Aadhar number is valid, then the age band, gender, state and last two digits of the registered mobile number of the holder can be seen on the screen
Step 5: In case the Aadhaar number is not valid, a message is displayed stating that the Aadhaar number does not exist

What to do if you have lost your Aadhaar Card?

In case you have lost your original Aadhaar card, you can download it online through the UIDAI website, print it and use it as the normal Aadhar card. You can search for an Aadhaar card by name, email and mobile number and download it online. Alternatively, you can install the mAadhaar app on your smartphone and use it in place of your original Aadhaar card.

FAQs on Aadhaar Card

Q. What is an Aadhaar Card?

Ans. Aadhaar Card is a 12-digit unique identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) which acts as proof of address and identity for an Indian citizen.

Q. What is the validity of my downloaded Aadhaar Card?

Ans. Once you download the Aadhaar Card it is valid for the entire life.

Q. What is Aadhaar authentication and what are its benefits?

Ans. Aadhaar authentication is the process of the verification of demographic, biometric and other information submitted to the CIDR authorities for verification. The benefit of authenticated Aadhaar is that it helps in establishing identity, improving efficiency and transparency in service delivery, demographic and address verification in future.

Q. How to link an Aadhaar Number with a Bank Account?

Ans. The government of India in 2017 made it mandatory for the applicants to link Aadhaar with Bank accounts, but it was later ruled out in 2018 that it is no longer mandatory to link Aadhaar cards with Bank to open an account. However, banks have provided various options through which account holders can link their accounts with Aadhaar. Some of the methods to link Aadhaar with bank accounts are –

• Bank’s mobile app,
• Internet banking,
• Through IVR,
• By visiting the ATM or
• By visiting the bank’s branch.

Q. How to link Aadhar Number with PAN?

Ans. You can link your PAN with Aadhaar either online or through SMS.

• Aadhaar can be linked online by visiting
  https://incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/e-Filing/Services/LinkAadhaarPrelogin.html.
• You can also link your PAN with Aadhaar through SMS. Type a message in the format UIDPAN<12 digit Aadhaar><10 digit PAN> and send the SMS to either 567678 or 56161.

Q. How to link an Aadhar Number with your ration card?

Ans. Linking Aadhaar with a ration card enables easy transfer of PDS benefits to your bank account (if applicable). In order to link your Aadhaar with ration card, you have to follow these steps:

• Visit the nearest PDS centre/ration shop
• Provide the self-attested copy of your and your family members’ Aadhaar
• Now provide a self-attested copy of your ration card.
• You will have to provide your bank account details in case you have not linked it with Aadhaar.
• Now provide your fingerprint for biometric authentication.

Q. How to link Aadhar Number with EPF Account?

Ans. Linking your EPF account/UAN with Aadhaar allows you to access your EPF account online. Here’s how to do it:

• Register on the EPF member portal and login to your account
• In the KYC section, add your Aadhaar details and submit the form
• Your request will appear under pending KYC
• Once approved by EPFO, it will be viewed under approved KYC
• On successful verification by UIDAI, “Verified” will be mentioned against your approved Aadhaar.

Q. When do I need to authenticate Aadhaar Number?

Ans. You need to authenticate Aadhaar for the verification of identity under different schemes like PDS, NREGA, etc. Beneficiaries are required to authenticate Aadhaar either at the time of applying for such schemes or at the time of availing benefits.

Q. What is a Masked Aadhaar Card?

Ans. This is the latest option for the citizens to mask their Aadhaar cards in downloaded e-Aadhaar in which the first 8  digits are replaced with characters like ‘XXXX-XXXX’ and only shows the last four digits of the Aadhaar number.

Q. From where can I authenticate Aadhar Number?

Ans. The request to authenticate Aadhaar can be placed at the point of service delivery by various agencies. Some of these are self-service kiosks whereas others are operator-managed. Examples of such authentication points are FPS shops, bank terminals, NREGA centres, etc.

Q. Can a US citizen apply for an Aadhaar Card?

Ans. If the concerned US citizen is residing in India for the past 182 days continuously or in parts in a year, he can apply for an Aadhar card. But the card can be used only in India and should not be considered as the proof of Indian citizenship.

Q. How can I know if my Aadhar number is linked with my bank account?

Ans. UIDAI has provided a facility to check whether a bank account is linked with Aadhaar or not. Users can visit https://resident.uidai.gov.in/bank-mapper and login using their Aadhaar number and OTP to check the linkage.

Q. My mobile number is not registered in Aadhaar, how can I get my mobile number updated in Aadhaar?

Ans. In order to get your mobile number linked with an Aadhaar card, you have to visit one of the Aadhaar Enrolment Centres and submit a request for mobile phone updation. Once the request is submitted, the mobile number will be linked with Aadhaar.

Q. How can I know if my update request has been processed?

Ans. Whenever a person files an updation request, he gets a URN after successful submission of the form. He can track the request with the help of this URN.

Q. From where do I download the m-Aadhaar App?

Ans. m-Aadhaar app can be downloaded from the Google Playstore.

Q. Is it necessary to link a bank account with Aadhaar?
Ans. No. It is not mandatory to link a bank account with Aadhaar as long as you have provided any of the other key KYC documents such as PAN, Driving License, Voter ID card, Passport etc.

Q. Is there any fee charged by UIDAI for enrolment for Aadhar Card?
Ans. No fee is charged by UIDAI for Aadhaar enrolment process. Also, availing original as well as duplicate Aadhar card is free of cost. However any corrections/additions made to your Aadhaar information at an enrolment center is charged Rs. 25.

Q. How to update Address in your Aadhaar?

Ans. You can update the address in your Aadhaar card online as well as offline. The online process is free of cost whereas you have to pay a charge of Rs. 50 to update your address in Aadhaar by visiting the Aadhaar Enrolment Centre.

Q. How to change mobile number in Aadhaar card?

Ans. You can change your mobile number in your Aadhaar card by visiting the nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre.

Q. What is the URN number in Aadhaar Card?

Ans. Whenever you file a request for updation or correction of details in your Aadhaar online, an Update Request Number (URN) is provided after successful submission of the application. You can use this URN to track the updation process.

Q. How to check Aadhaar Card update or correction status?

Ans. Aadhar details may sometimes be wrong or may need to be updated. It might take some time to make the correction after a request is made. In order to check Aadhaar update status or correction status, you can visit the official UIDAI website. However, you will have to provide the Update Request Number (URN) to track the status of your update request.

Q. How to get a duplicate Aadhaar Card?

Ans. In order to get a duplicate Aadhar card, you must follow the steps mentioned below:

• You can call the toll free number 1800-180-1947 and follow the IVR.
• You can download e-Aadhaar from UIDAI’s website and print it to use it in place of Aadhaar.

Q. What to do if an Aadhaar Card is not received?

Ans. In case you check the status of Aadhaar on the website and find that it has been dispatched but the Aadhaar card is not received at your end, you can download the e-Aadhaar from UIDAI’s website using your enrolment number or you can place a request for sending the Aadhar card again.

Q. Can I e-file a tax return without an Aadhaar number?

Ans. E-filing a tax return without Aadhaar is not possible according to the current norms. The government has made it mandatory to link PAN and Aadhaar. In case PAN and Aadhaar are not linked, the e-filing of return would not be processed.

Q. I am not in India and I don’t have an Aadhar Card. Can I apply for an Aadhaar card from outside India?

Ans. No. You cannot apply for Aadhaar from outside of India as it is mandatory to provide biometric details at an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre, which is located in India. Additionally, you need to have a residential address in India if you want to apply for an Aadhaar card.

[Also read about: PAN Card]

Latest News on Aadhaar Card

Aadhaar-Ration Linking Extended  till 30th September 2020

13-05-2020-Due to the current nationwide lockdown, the date for linking Aadhaar with Ration Card has now been extended till 30th September by the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution for all the states and UTs.

In case the applicant is not able to provide Aadhaar Number on or before the deadline, his/her ration card will not be cancelled. It is also worth mentioning that no beneficiary will be denied ration if the person cannot furnish his Aadhaar card on the spot during the lockdown period.

The process of linking Aadhaar with Ration Card can be done both online and offline. However, the online linking facility differs from state to state. Read more

UIDAI Permits Common Service Centres to Update Aadhaar Details

05-05-2020 –The Common Service Centres have now been allowed to update Aadhaar at 20,000 centres by UIDAI that run as Banking Correspondents (BCs).  However, these centres are not allowed to take requests for Aadhaar from the new applicants. CSCs work in addition to Aadhaar Enrolment Centres that function from either bank branches or post offices.

Moreover, Aadhaar Update will be done per the guidelines of UIDAI. Around 20 crore Aadhaarcards have been made available to applicants by CSCs since services were interrupted, but many could not get their Aadhaar Authentication Services completed in the rural area. Now amid the nation-wide lockdown, it will be easy and convenient for the applicants to update Aadhaar at these Common Service Centres instead of visiting bank branch/post offices.

The date of linking Aadhaar with PAN has also been extended to 30th June 2020.

UIDAI launches 28 Aadhaar Seva Kendra across the country

02-Jan-2020– The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has set up an exclusive single-stop destination ‘Aadhaar Seva Kendra’ or ‘ASK’ for all aadhaar services for its Indian citizens. With this exclusive set up, the UIDAI will offer Aadhaar Enrolment and update related to Aadhaar services. In its first phase, the UIDAI has planned to set up 114 Aadhaar Seva Kendra across 53 cities all over India of which 28 ASK has been opened. These include metro cities, state capitals and Union Territories. Aadhaar Seva Kendra will run along with 35,000 Aadhar Kendras which is already being run by banks, post offices, BSNL and state governments.

The ASK will be opened for all 7 days a week from 9:30 A.M to 5:30 P.M. Apart from Aadhaar Seva Kendra, the UIDAI has also launched the online appointment booking facility for all its residents where they can book an appointment for aadhaar enrolment and update all aadhaar services.

Income Tax Department Extends the deadline for PAN-Aadhaar Linking to 31st March 2020

31-Dec-2019- On December 31, Income Tax Department has extended the deadline to link Aadhaar and PAN to 31st March 2020.

Income Tax Department Confirms Dec 31 as a deadline for PAN-Aadhaar Linking

15-Dec-2019- On December 15, Income Tax Department has announced that it is mandatory to link PAN card with Aadhaar card by December 31, 2019, from the earlier September 30 deadline. After this announcement, the Income Tax Department has said, “If someone fails to meet PAN-Aadhaar linking deadline, their income tax return or ITR will get rejected and their PAN card will become inoperative.”

Reprinted Aadhaar will now be delivered within 15 Days through mAadhaar App

13-Dec-2019- The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has announced that people can now order to reprint Aadhaar from their mAadhaar App other than visiting the official website of UIDAI. The authority launched the latest version of mAadhaar App which can be downloaded by both-Android and iOS users. For getting this reprint, Aadhaar cardholders are required to pay a service charge of ₹50, and the reprinted Aadhaar will be delivered within 15 days to the registered address mentioned in your Aadhaar.

Union Cabinet Passes the Aadhaar Ordinance for Voluntary KYC Use

1-March-2019 – Union cabinet has approved the Aadhaar ordinance that allows people to voluntarily furnish their Aadhaar card for opening a bank account or applying for a new SIM card. The Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2018 was passed in the Lok Sabha on 4th January but could not be passed in the Rajya Sabha. The ordinance makes provision for hefty fine and also imprisonment up to 3 years in some cases for violating rules defined in the ordinance.

Linking PAN with Aadhaar Still Mandatory: Supreme Court

7-February-2019 – The Supreme Court of India has clarified that taxpayers have to link their PAN card with Aadhaar. The judgement was passed in the light of Section 139AA of the Income Tax Act under which the government has made it mandatory to provide Aadhaar at the time of filing Income Tax Returns. The last date for linking PAN with Aadhar is set to 31^st March 2019 by CBDT.

UIDAI Allows Banks to Continue AEPS Transaction

04-Dec-2018 – UIDAI has allowed banks to continue providing AEPS (Aadhaar Enabled Payment System) facilities to account holders. Some banks had terminated the AEPS service owing to the Supreme Court’s decision on the constitutional validity of Aadhaar. After the approval of UIDAI, banks will be able to provide these facilities to the beneficiaries of government welfare schemes through DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer).

Supreme Court Restores the Constitutional Validity of Aadhaar

27-Sep-2018 – The 5-judges constitutional bench of Supreme Court has given the judgement that Aadhaar is a constitutional valid document and it will still be mandatory for new PAN cards as well as at the time of filing Income Tax Returns (ITR). However, the Supreme Court has said that Aadhaar will not be mandatory for opening bank accounts, new mobile connections, school admissions, etc. Even private companies cannot ask for Aadhaar card of their customers.

Plastic Aadhaar Cards can Make QR Code Dysfunctional, Says UIDAI

24-Sep-2018 – The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has said that a plastic Aadhaar card can often become unusable because of the lamination, which can make the QR code dysfunctional. The Aadhaar body said a print out of the Aadhaar on an ordinary document or an mAadhaar was a valid document. It also said people should not share their personal details or Aadhaar number with unauthorized agencies as they can be misused by them.

Biometrics Data is now safe with Lock Facility: UIDAI

20-Sep-2018 – The UIDAI has initiated the security measures for Aadhaar card holders to safeguard their biometrics data following the simple process of Enable/Disable Biometric Locking visiting the official portal of Aadhaar. Cardholders need to go online in order to get their processing done. The UIDAI has ensured the safety regarding Aadhaar data leak with initiating the locking facility.

Schools Cannot Deny Admission for Lack of Aadhaar: UIDAI

5-Sep-2018 – On 5 Sept, 2018 government agency UIDAI said that absence of Aadhaar is no longer a hurdle for taking admission in schools for students. “It is the responsibility of schools to provide Aadhaar enrolment and update facility to students to enjoy their due benefits and rights”, said the UIDAI. In an official circular, the UIDAI addressed the Chief Secretaries of State stating that it is aware of instances where some schools are refusing admission in absence of Aadhaar. The UIDAI has also encouraged schools to co-ordinate with the institutions like local banks, post offices, state education department and district administration for special camp facility in the premises to provide Aadhaar enrolment and update facility in the premises.

Enrolment agencies to give free e-Aadhaar printouts in flood-hit Kerala

22-Aug-2018 – The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has asked enrolment agencies, including banks and post offices, to help people in Kerala retrieve their Aadhaar number and get free printouts of the document if they lost it in the floods. Name and biometric authentication of the card holder will be needed to get back the number or document. UIDAI CEO Ajay Bhushan Pandey said enrolment agencies can even visit the relief camps to help people in this direction.

Can’t open bank accounts without biometric/OTP check for Aadhaar: UIDAI

21-Aug-2018 – To open a bank account, just the submission of a physical Aadhaar card or its photocopy without a biometric or OTP authentication would not suffice, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has said. According to RBI circulars, it is mandatory for a bank to go ahead with biometric or OTP authentication before considering Aadhaar for banking transaction or KYC.

UIDAI tells telcos to use face authentication feature from Sept 15

20-Aug-2018 – Aadhaar-issuing body UIDAI has finally announced a phased rollout of face recognition feature as an additional mode of authentication, starting with telecom service providers from September 15. The Authority had earlier planned to roll out face recognition feature from July 1, a target that was later pushed to August 1.

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has announced that from September 15, telecom service providers will have to use face recognition feature as an additional mode of authentication.

Correcting date of birth on Aadhaar card more than once Gets Difficult

10-Aug-2018 – Updating the date of birth on an Aadhaar card more than once is going to get difficult. A recent notification by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) says that correction of the date of birth is allowed just once. However, in case of the need of correcting it the second time, a resident will have to visit the Regional Office (RO) of the UIDAI.

Proof of Residence not Needed to Update Aadhar Address from April 2019

3-Aug-2018 – Aadhaar holders without a valid proof of residence of their current location can update their address through a new service that the UIDAI proposes to start from April 1, 2019. By using a letter with a secret PIN, residents can change their address without undergoing any hassle. People staying in rented accommodation often encounter roadblocks in updating their address that prevents them from availing services for which Aadhaar is needed. The new service will make life easy for many such people.

Delhi Government Delinks Aadhaar from the Widow, Old Age Pensions

31-July-2018 – Delhi Government has decided to do away with the requirement of Aadhaar card to avail benefits on widow and old age pension. In a state cabinet meeting, the Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal gave nod to the proposal presented by the Delhi Social Welfare Department for Delhi residents. The Delhi CM claimed that the decision was taken because a lot of people were suffering due to the inability of banks to link Aadhaar with bank accounts. The Social Welfare Department will now remit all pensions stopped due to the lack of Aadhaar.

Deadline for Linking Aadhaar with PAN Extended Till 31st March 2019

16-July-2018 – The Central Board of Direct taxes (CBDT), in a fresh circular dated 30th June 2018, has extended the Aadhaar-PAN linking deadline to 31st March 2019. Earlier, the Income Tax Department had made it compulsory for assessees to link their PAN cards with Aadhaar in order to process their Income Tax Returns (ITR). It was said that the Income Tax Department will not process the ITR forms of assessees whose both documents would not be linked. However, with this fresh extension, assessees who have not been able to link their PAN with Aadhaar have got some respite this year.

UIDAI Launches Aadhaar Update History Feature in Beta Mode

12-June-2018 – UIDAI has launched the facility to check Aadhaar update history online through which a user can check all update requests placed in the past. This will help users to keep a tab on when each update was done and what details were updated. Results are displayed in a detailed tabular format clearly mentioning the name, date of birth, mobile number, email id, gender and address along with the photograph of the user changed after the update.

Aadhaar Linking Deadline for Welfare Schemes Extended till 30^th June

29-March-2018 – The government has extended the Aadhaar linking deadline with various welfare schemes from 31st march to 30th June 2018. The Supreme Court had refused to extend the deadline to which the central government provided the respite to those who were not able to enrol for Aadhaar by now. Such people who qualify for different welfare schemes but do not have an Aadhaar can enrol for Aadhaar now and link their documents with Aadhaar before the new deadline ends.

Aadhaar – PAN linking deadline extended to 30^th June

28-March-2018 – The Central board of Direct Taxes has extended the Aadhaar-PAN linking deadline from 31st March to 30th June. This outcome has come after the Supreme Court extended the Aadhaar linking deadline with various instruments indefinitely from March 31st while hearing cases against the constitutional validity of Aadhaar. The extension has come as a relief to people who were not able to link their PAN cards with Aadhaar till now.

Supreme Court Denies Extending Aadhaar Linking Deadline of March 31^st for Welfare Schemes

28-March-2018 – The Supreme Court has refused to extend the Aadhaar linking deadline with government welfare schemes of March 31st, 2018. Earlier, the five-judge constitution bench, headed by the CJI Dipak Misra, had extended the Aadhaar linking deadline with bank accounts, mobile number and other instruments indefinitely. Now, people who avail benefits under government welfare schemes have to link their Aadhaar with these schemes or they will be deprived of the benefits under these schemes from 1st April 2018.

Face ID to be Used for Aadhaar Authentication From July 1

27-March-2018 – UIDAI has informed the Supreme Court that it is going to start the face ID detection to authenticate Aadhaar for those individuals who have poor biometrics to curb authentication failures in those cases. As per the organisation, they already have the photograph of Aadhaar holders that can be used for authentication. This will help a huge section of senior citizens who, in some cases, are deprived of the pension benefits and provident funds due to unapproved authentications.

Aadhaar Linking Deadline Extended by the Supreme Court

19-March-2018 – The Constitutional bench of Supreme Court headed by the Chief Justice Dipak Mishra has extended the Aadhaar linking deadline indefinitely. Earlier, the last date for linking Aadhaar with various schemes was 31st March 2018. However, Aadhaar will still be mandatory for opening new bank accounts, tatkal passport and availing subsidies under various government schemes.

Aadhaar Linking with Flight Tickets to Enable Faster Airport Entry Soon

23-Nov-2017 – Domestic passengers will soon be able to gain access to the airport terminals faster than normal flyers. They have to just mention their Aadhaar at the time of air-ticket booking,. These passengers will be able to avail seamless travel experience At Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Vijaywada airports from 2018 under the Central Government’s “digi yatra” programme.

IRDAI Makes Aadhaar Linking with Insurance Policies Mandatory

09-Nov-2017 – Insurance regulator IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) has made Aadhaar linking with insurance policies compulsory. General insurance as well as life insurance companies will have to implement this directive immediately and start the linking process. IRDAI said, “These rules have statutory force and, as such, life and general insurers (including standalone health insurers) have to implement them without awaiting further instructions”.

Aadhaar Linking for Postal Accounts Deadline 31st December

06-Nov-2017 – In order to help postal account holders meet the 31^st December 2017 deadline for linking of account with Aadhaar and mobile number, the Department of Posts (DoP) has unveiled 585 additional Aadhaar enrollment centres in Andhra Pradesh. These new centres are in addition to the 1595 post offices in the state that already provide similar services.

Aadhaar verified Passengers Can Book Upto 12 Railway Tickets Online in a Month

03-Nov-2017 – In their bid to encourage people for Aadhaar enrolment, Indian railways has announced the increase in monthly online railway ticket booking quota for Aadhaar verified passengers. Now, those who have verified Aadhaar can book up to 12 railway tickets online in a month, which was earlier restricted to 6. The move has came in effect from 26^th October 2017 and is being hailed as an innovative way of encouraging people to link Aadhaar with their IRCTC accounts.

Now Link Aadhaar With Mobile Using OTP

02-Nov-2017 – A tweet posted by UIDAI on Nov 2 stated that from December 1, 2017, users will be able to link their mobile number with Aadhaar through OTP (one-time password) received on their registered mobile number. Users will no longer need to visit telecom service provider centres as from next month; they will be able to link their mobile number and Aadhaar on their own from the comfort of their home.

Telecom Operators to display the reverification process on their website by December

31^st Oct 2017 – UIDAI and the Department of Telecom (DoT) are making a framework which will help in linking Aadhaar with mobile numbers and their reverification. Mobile operators will have to display this data on their website by December. DoT has proposed three new facilities for linking Aadhaar with mobile numbers – OTP-based method, IVRS and through the telecom operator’s app. Telecom secretary, Aruna Sundararanjan said, “Operators have to inform DoT by November 15 on the mechanism by which all options for linking Aadhaar with mobile number are made available on their portals. This will then be verified by DoT and UIDAI over another two weeks. So we hope that by December, citizens will know about the options that they can choose online.”

Bangalore International Airport to Become Aadhaar-enabled by March

12^th Oct 2017 – Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) has come up with a project to make passengers’ experience at the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) smooth and quick. The authority has decided to implement Aadhaar-enabled access system at the airport. This will help in reducing the verification time and screening time would be reduced from 25 minutes to as less as 10 minutes. The first stage would be brought into effect by March 2018. Domestic airlines would be brought on-board by June 2018 whereas all international airlines would also be brought on-board by October 2018.

Government Allocates Rs 2,000 Crores for Setting up Aadhaar Centres in Post Offices

11^th Oct 2017 – The Government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved Rs 2,000 Crores for setting up Aadhaar Centres in 15,000 Post Offices across India. The deadline set to complete this project is March 31st, 2018. This step is aimed at minimising frauds and corruption committed at private Aadhaar Enrolment and Update centres. This will also help in mitigating the risk of Aadhaar data breach. The government has also asked banks to open more than 15,000 Aadhaar centres in their branches. This step would not only ensure improved access for Aadhaar enrolment and update but also extend the reach of UID in remote areas.