Linking Aadhaar with mobile number is set to become easier from December 1, 2017 (Representational image)
Aadhaar card is to be mandatorily linked with the SIM card of mobile phone connections. The UIDAI or Unique Identification Authority of India, which issues the 12-digit biometrics-based Unique Identity Number (UID) as well as Aadhaar card, has given a go-ahead to the blueprint presented by telecom companies to implement three new modes. "Their (telecom operators') plans have been approved...They have come and we have told them they will implement (the process) from December 1," UIDAI CEO Ajay Bhushan Pandey told news agency Press Trust of India. For the ease of mobile phone subscribers, the government had introduced three new methods to link the SIM with Aadhaar. These new methods are: OTP- or One-Time Password-based linking, app-based linking and Aadhaar linking via an IVRS facility. These methods will help subscribers to get their mobile number linked to Aadhaar card without visiting the stores of the telecom companies, the government has said.
Here are 10 things to know:
Three news ways for linking Aadhaar with SIM
Three new methods to link registered mobile number with Aadhar i.e OTP based,App based & IVRS Facility pic.twitter.com/1z4hFiTOjN
— Manoj Sinha (@manojsinhabjp) October 30, 2017
The government had in November announced the three new ways to complete the process of linking mobile phone numbers with Aadhaar, in its bid to simplify the process to link Aadhaar with mobile SIM.
If you've not yet registered your mobile number with Aadhaar, visit your nearest Aadhaar Kendra for the same. Locate one from: https://t.co/oCJ66DUBEk.#VerifyWithAadhaarpic.twitter.com/IUan60Z6Zh
— Aadhaar (@UIDAI) November 15, 2017
The government sought to enable existing telecom subscribers to undergo the SIM re-verification exercise from the comfort of their home.
The operators, thereafter, were instructed to approach the UIDAI with their blueprint to operationalise the new processes that were permitted, and implement the new system after the UIDAI gave its nod.
The plans were considered and approved from the point of view of security, compliance with the Aadhaar Act and protection of privacy, news agency Press Trust of India cited Mr Pandey as saying.
Aadhaar-SIM linking deadline
Aadhaar is to be linked with mobile connections/SIMs by February 6, 2018.
On November 3, the Supreme Court refused to cancel the government's rule to link Aadhaar with mobile numbers and bank accounts. The court refused to pass any order on it, leaving the decision to a constitution bench.
Aadhaar-SIM linking via OTP from December 1
"No need to give finger prints to local SIM card retailer for your mobile phone verification... From December 1, 2017, you can do it from comfort of your home through OTP received on mobile number registered with Aadhaar," the UIDAI has said.
Aadhaar-SIM linking: What is OTP and how this OTP works
Use your Aadhaar OTP yourself. Do not share it with any agency, individual or entity to be used on your behalf. #AadhaarEssentialspic.twitter.com/CG7Ok8oOVS
— Aadhaar (@UIDAI) November 14, 2017
OTP or One-Time Pin is a mode of authentication offered by the UIDAI. Under one-time PIN-based authentication, an OTP with a limited period validity is sent to the mobile number and/ or e-mail address of the Aadhaar number holder registered with Aadhaar. "The Aadhaar number holder shall provide this OTP along with his Aadhaar number during authentication and the same shall be matched with the OTP generated by the Authority," according to the UIDAI website.
