Source: PIB
Context: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has proposed rules to allow entities other than Government Ministries and Departments to use Aadhaar authentication to promote ease of living and enable better access to services for citizens.
About the proposed rule:
| Topic | Information |
| What does the Rule say? | Any entity other than a ministry or department that desires to use Aadhaar authentication needs to submit its proposal to the concerned ministry/department at the Centre or state level with justificationàThe proposal is forwarded to UIDAI, which will review and decide on the application. |
| What is Aadhaar Authentication (AA)? | Aadhaar authentication is a process that verifies the identity of an individual using their Aadhaar number. It is mainly used for availing government services and schemes. |
| Entities currently allowed to perform AA | Government ministries and departments; Some private entities like banks and telecom companies (for KYC authentication and only if UIDAI was satisfied with regard to standards of privacy and security) |
| Purpose of AA | For the interest of good governance, preventing leakage of public funds, enablement of innovation, the spread of knowledge, and promoting ease of living and enabling better access to services for residents. |
| Legal provision | Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance (Social Welfare, Innovation, Knowledge) Rules, 2020 |
| Concerns | SC (2018) struck down Section 57 of the Aadhaar Act which allowed the use of Aadhaar data by private companies – to establish the identity of an individual for being “unconstitutional” |
| What is the Aadhaar number? | A 12-digit unique identity number issued by UIDAI, a statutory authority under MeitY, on behalf of the Government of India. It is based on an individual’s biometric and demographic data. |
