The UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) is asking users of Aadhaar to register or update their mobile numbers for easier access to various government services online. According to the agency, Aadhaar based OTP identification will let users avail these services.
This includes services like Digi-locker, eSign, eNPS, e-Hospital, e-verification of Income Tax Return (ITR), etc., being rolled out by the government departments using Aadhaar as identifier. Users can also apply for a PAN card or update their card using Aadhaar based eSign feature. Note that earlier in the budget, finance minister Arun Jaitley said the government would develop a social security platform using Aadhaar to target intended beneficiaries.
Aadhaar card numbers: Overall the UIDAI claims to have generated 103.5 crore Aadhaar cards and opened over 23,000 Permanent Enrolment Centres (PECs) across the country. Users can also visit the PEC to update their mobile number in Aadhaar. A comprehensive list of PECs is available here.
Aadhaar bill passed: In March, the Aadhaar Bill 2016 was passed in the Parliament. The bill was was introduced as a money bill which bypassed voting in the Rajya Sabha. A money bill exclusively contains provisions for imposition and abolition of taxes, for appropriation of moneys out of a consolidated fund. The Rajya Sabha cannot make amendments in a money bill passed by Lok Sabha.
Govt facilities tied to Aadhaar:
– In June, all state governments were directed by the Centre to link Aadhaar with domicile and caste certificates. State governments have been instructed that the certificates should be issued to students who are studying in class V or class VII.
– Last month, in Varanasi, government school kids in class six onwards will not get free books anymore without Aadhaar number.
– In Betul, Madhya Pradesh, food subsidy isn’t given if citizens don’t have Aadhaar. Gas subsidy may be stopped soon as well. More at Patrika.
– In another possible violation of the Supreme Court guidelines saying that Aadhaar cannot be made mandatory, it has been made mandatory for participating in e-auction of vehicle registration numbers.
– Last month, the e-Aadhaar letter, a downloaded version of Aadhaar, can be used as identity proof for taking a new mobile connection, the DoT said.
– All Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) will be linked to Aadhaar by the end of the current calendar year. The Centre has decided to bring all subsidies and welfare schemes under the DBT net by March 31, 2017. More at The Economic Times.
Also read: Privacy concerns in the Aadhaar Act, 2016
