UIDAI Asks State, Entities To Verify Aadhaar Before Accepting It As Residental Proof

UIDAI has urged state governments to provide the necessary direction to the concerned entity uses Aadhaar as an identity document to authenticate and verify the resident.

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) maintains that a verification of the Aadhaar number with the consent of the Aadhaar holder is the correct procedure for determining the authenticity of any Aadhaar (Aadhaar letter, e-Aadhaar, Aadhaar PVC card, or m-Aadhaar) that an individual presents. Entities should verify the Aadhaar before accepting it, whether in physical or electronic form, to establish an individual's identity.

UIDAI has urged state governments to provide the necessary direction so that whenever Aadhaar is submitted as a proof of identity, the concerned entity uses Aadhaar as an identity document to authenticate and verify the resident. UIDAI has emphasized the need for verification before use. It prevents dishonest people and anti-social people from using it in any way they might. It also reiterates UIDAI's position that any 12-digit number is not an Aadhaar and encourages usage hygiene. Offline verification can detect tampering with Aadhaar documents, and Section 35 of the Aadhaar Act makes tampering a criminal offense that carries penalties.

Using the mAadhaar App or the Aadhaar QR code Scanner, any Aadhaar can be verified using the QR code that is on all Aadhaar forms (Aadhaar letter, e-Aadhaar, Aadhaar PVC card, and m-Aadhaar). Windows-based applications, as well as Android and iOS-based smartphones, can use the free QR code scanner.

Additionally, UIDAI has issued circulars addressing requesting entities, authorized to perform authentication and verification, as well as other entities, emphasizing the significance of verification and defining the procedure to be followed.

By presenting their Aadhaar in either paper or electronic form, residents may voluntarily use the number to verify their identity. Residents can use their Aadhaar with confidence because UIDAI has already issued dos and don'ts for them to follow.