Aadhaar was originally meant to serve only as a proof of identity, not as proof of citizenship. Because of this, the process to get one was fairly relaxed in the beginning. But now, new steps are being taken to ensure that only verified adults can get an Aadhaar number, a report by Times of India said.
More checks using Government databases
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), which manages Aadhaar, plans to use online records like passports, ration cards, birth and school certificates to verify a person’s details during enrolment and updates. This will help make the Aadhaar system more reliable and secure.
According to the Aadhaar Act, the Aadhaar number is not proof of citizenship or where someone lives. But the new verification tools are being designed to ensure that only Indian citizens are issued Aadhaar numbers going forward.
Second layer of verification for new enrolments
As per the TOI report, UIDAI has developed a new tool that adds an extra level of security during enrolments and updates. This tool will cross-check information with online databases like driving licenses, PAN cards, MNREGS records, and even electricity bills. These steps match the requirements for centralized KYC (Know Your Customer) and will help maintain a consistent and verified identity system.
Over 140 crore Aadhaar numbers already issued
In the past 15 years, over 140 crore Aadhaar numbers have been created. This includes people who have passed away. Nearly all adults in the country now have Aadhaar, and even newborns are getting it shortly after birth. So, the government is now tightening the rules specifically for new adult registrations.
To stop illegal immigrants from getting Aadhaar using fake documents, the government made it mandatory for state authorities to carefully check each applicant’s documents before approval. Aadhaar is now issued only after proper verification is done through a state-run portal.
There have been worries in the past that illegal immigrants might use Aadhaar to access other government IDs or services, possibly even citizenship. But with the new checks in place, officials say it will now be much harder for non-citizens to misuse Aadhaar in this way.