Aadhaar card update request had become quite a hassle for everyone in India. There used to be a reminder ticking your clock about it every now and then. From banks to schools, the announcements to make Aadhar card linking mandatory was made in every sector.

The government has finally decided to introduce the Aadhar Bill to ease legal backing for voluntary linking of biometric Aadhar ID for mobile SIM card and bank account authentication purposes.

Previous rules

This Bill would amend the Telegraph Act and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) which asks to provide the 12-digit identification number for an official work at bank or getting a new SIM card.

Also, section 57 of the Aadhar Act made linking of biometric ID with SIMs and bank accounts mandatory.

Ravi Shankar Prasad, Union Law and Justice and IT Minister, said, "Let me clarify at the outset that the proposed amendment is done in compliance with the Supreme Court judgment. It (linking) is not mandatory at all, but voluntary, whereby an alternative mode of authentication is being provided."

Aadhar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2018

These amendments would also give permission to children who would be 18 years old

The sharing of Aadhaar details will now be voluntary for opening bank accounts, school admissions and availing a new mobile SIM card.

The Union Government on 12 July 2016 notified the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016.

Eligibility

An Indian resident who has at least resided in India for 182 days

Information to be submitted

To obtain an Aadhaar number, an individual has to submit biometric (photograph, fingerprint, iris scan) and demographic (name, date of birth, address) information.

Enrollment

Individuals will be informed of the manner in which the information will be used, the nature of recipients with whom the information will be shared and the right to access this information.

Using Aadhaar number

Government verifies a person's identity with Aadhar number and this helps in giving subsidy and services to the people

Functions of UIDAI

This gives demographics and biometric information of the individuals

This also authenticate the usage of Aadhar numbers for delivery of subsidies and services

About UIDAI

Under the leadership of former Infosys CEO Nandan Nilekani, who was the chairman, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) was founded in 2009.

It was initially started by the Planning Commission so as to provide identification for each resident across the country.

Started by the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) regime, it aimed for efficient delivery of welfare services.

By this method, the government can also monitor various programs and schemes.

It works as a proof of identity and address for the residents living across India.

Also read: Supreme Court nulls the mandatory status of Aadhaar Card scheme in India

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