More than 2 crore Aadhaar numbers have been deactivated as part of a routine clean-up drive to maintain the continued accuracy of the Aadhaar database. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) runs from time to time such clean-up drives to deactivate Aadhaar numbers of deceased individuals.
UIDAI is a statutory body that issues unique identification numbers (UID), also known as Aadhaar, to residents in India.
UIDAI has sourced deceased persons’ data from Registrar General of India (RGI), States/UTs, Public Distribution System, National Social Assistance Program among others, according to the Ministry of Electronics & IT.
UIDAI teams up with financial institutions for such data
The UIDAI is also looking to collaborate with financial institutions and other such entities for getting deceased persons’ data, the ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.
Can Aadhaar number be reassigned to another individual?
No, the ministry has clarified that Aadhaar number cannot ever be re-assigned to another individual. “However, in case of the death of a person, it is essential that his/her Aadhaar number is deactivated to prevent potential identity fraud, or unauthorised usage of such Aadhaar number for availing welfare benefits,” the statement said.
In June this year, the UIDAI launched a service for citizens to facilitate them in ‘reporting the death of a family member’ on the myAadhaar portal. The facility is now available in 25 states and union territories (UTs) using civil registration system. The process of integration for remaining states/UTs with the portal is currently underway.
UIDAI is committed to maintaining the “accuracy and integrity” of the Aadhaar database.
In that regard, the UIDAI had announced that it deactivated around 1.17 crore Aadhaar numbers of deceased persons. Now, this number has jumped to over 2 crore since June this year.
Family needs to update the details of deceased persons on myAadhaar portal
The family member, after authenticating himself/herself, is required to provide Aadhaar number and Death Registration Number along with other demographic details of the deceased person on the portal. After due process of validation of the information submitted by the family member, further action is taken for the deactivation, or otherwise, of the Aadhaar number of the deceased person.
UIDAI is encouraging Aadhaar number holders to report the death of their family members on myAadhaar portal after obtaining their death certificate from the death registering authorities.