Introduction to Aadhaar-Mobile Linkage
The Union Government of India has taken a significant step by linking mobile phone numbers to Aadhaar, the unique identity number administered by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). This initiative was instigated following the Supreme Court's directive in 2012, aimed at ensuring the identity verification of all phone numbers in India. The court highlighted this during a hearing involving the Lokniti Foundation, a non-profit organization. Despite the Supreme Court not mandating the use of Aadhaar for identity verification, the government has opted for this approach to enhance security and efficiency.
The Benefits of Linking Mobile Numbers to Aadhaar
The decision to link mobile phone connections to Aadhaar is designed to provide a robust and foolproof method for identity verification. There are several reasons behind this move, which encompass enhancing security, ensuring the authenticity of SIM cards, and providing a seamless user experience.
Ensuring a Mobile Number for Life
Many individuals frequently change their mobile numbers due to dissatisfaction with service providers or to comply with interstate roaming requirements. However, the introduction of Mobile Number Portability (MNP) has enabled a unique mobile number to remain permanently linked to an Aadhaar card. This ensures that individuals can maintain their phone number consistency regardless of where they reside in India. This not only provides convenience but also ensures continuous verification of identity.
Electronic-KYC for Secure Identity Verification
Aadhaar-linked e-KYC (Electronic-Know Your Customer) service provides a secure and efficient mechanism for verifying an individual's identity electronically and instantly, based on biometric data. This method eliminates the need for manual entry of identity proof, which can be prone to errors or fraud. By linking mobile connections to Aadhaar, the government aims to reduce the instances of fake and forged identity proofs and ensure that no SIM cards are in use under false identities.
To Verify New and Existing Subscribers
The Unique Identity Authority of India (UIDAI) has introduced the e-KYC service as a means to verify new mobile connections. However, the existing paper-based KYC (Know Your Customer) process is often deemed insufficient. The likelihood of SIMs being obtained through fake or forged identity documents is a concern, and these SIMs may remain in use without the knowledge of the individuals supposed to be the owners. The UIDAI has received numerous complaints from state police regarding SIMs being obtained with fraudulent documents. Therefore, it is imperative to not only onboard new subscribers through e-KYC but also verify the existing subscriber base through e-KYC in a phased manner within a pre-defined time frame.
Conclusion
Linking mobile phone numbers to Aadhaar is a strategic move by the government to enhance security and streamline the process of identity verification. It ensures that phone numbers in India are linked to genuine and verified identities, thereby reducing the risks associated with fake or forged identities. The initiative aligns with the Supreme Court's directive to verify all phone numbers in the country, promoting a more secure and efficient telecommunications environment.