The Central Government has extended the deadline for public feedback on a proposal to allow private entities to conduct Aadhaar verification. The deadline, originally set for May 5th, has been extended by 15 days. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is the government body behind the draft of this proposal.
The draft suggests that entities outside of the central and state governments could potentially be granted permission to perform Aadhaar authentication under specific circumstances. However, any such institution would be required to submit a complete proposal detailing the need for this permission.
Final approval will come from the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) if it is deemed that the proposal serves the public interest. This plan has previously faced criticism, with concerns raised in 2018 that it could increase the vulnerability to fraud. The Supreme Court had previously ruled that while Aadhaar numbers could be used for state welfare, private entities should not conduct such verification.
Important about the news
The deadline for public feedback on the Aadhaar verification proposal extended by 15 days.
Drafted by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the proposal suggests allowing private entities to conduct Aadhaar verification.
Institutions seeking permission for Aadhaar authentication must submit a detailed proposal explaining the necessity.
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) will grant final approval if the proposal is in public interest.
The Supreme Court previously ruled against private entities conducting Aadhaar verification for state welfare.
Concerns raised in 2018 suggested that this proposal could increase vulnerability to fraud.