Over 2 crore Aadhaar cards have been deactivated! UIDAI has permanently removed these people's names from the database
In a major move, the UIDAI has deactivated over 20 million Aadhaar numbers. This action was taken to maintain the accuracy of the Aadhaar database and prevent identity fraud. The UIDAI obtained the data from the Reserve Bank of India (RGI) and state governments.
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), the agency responsible for Aadhaar card registration in the country, has taken a major step.
To maintain transparency and data accuracy, UIDAI has deactivated over 20 million Aadhaar numbers. These belong to people who have passed away. This 'clean-up drive' is part of a nationwide effort aimed at keeping the database accurate and secure.
You might be wondering why deactivating the Aadhaar cards of deceased individuals is necessary. This is directly related to preventing fraud. UIDAI states that if the Aadhaar numbers of deceased individuals remain active, their identities could be misused.
These numbers will not be allotted to anyone else.
Any fraudulent individual can use these Aadhaar cards to avail themselves of welfare schemes, which is blatantly illegal. Therefore, this deactivation was crucial to prevent potential identity fraud and unauthorized use of government benefits. UIDAI has also clarified that the Aadhaar number of a deceased person is never reassigned to another individual.
UIDAI has collaborated with several government agencies to make this 'cleanliness drive' a success. The data on deceased individuals has been primarily obtained from sources such as the Registrar General of India (RGI), various states and union territories, the Public Distribution System (PDS), and the National Social Assistance Program (NSAP).
Furthermore, UIDAI is now planning to work with financial institutions and other similar entities to achieve a more comprehensive collection of deceased individuals' data.
You can also report Aadhaar deactivation
UIDAI has also made this process easier for ordinary citizens. Earlier this year, a new feature called "Reporting the death of a family member" was introduced on the myAadhaar Portal.
Currently, this feature is available in 25 states and union territories that use the Civil Registration System. Work is underway to connect the remaining states to the portal soon.
If someone in your family has passed away, you can also report the death yourself on this portal. Family members must first authenticate themselves.
Next, they must enter the deceased person's Aadhaar number and Death Registration Number, as well as other demographic details, on the portal.
After verifying the information you provide, UIDAI will take further action on whether to deactivate the deceased person's Aadhaar number.
UIDAI is urging all Aadhaar holders to immediately report the death of their loved one on the myAadhaar portal upon receiving the death certificate. This will not only keep the data accurate but also prevent any potential fraud.