Source: The Hindu | Page 7 | Tags: 15 June 2026, Governance, GS2, Identity Verification, Welfare Delivery
Context: Assam Aadhaar Verification
Assam has mandated special verification for new Aadhaar enrolment of persons aged 18 years and above to prevent illegal immigrants from obtaining Aadhaar.
The rule does not apply to minors and, till March 2027, to:
- Scheduled Castes
- Scheduled Tribes
- Tea garden workers
- Persons with disabilities
Aadhaar: Core Basics
- Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identity number issued to a resident of India.
- A resident means a person residing in India for 182 days or more during the preceding 12 months.
- Aadhaar is based on demographic and biometric information.
- Aadhaar is a tool for identity authentication and welfare delivery.
- Aadhaar is not proof of citizenship.
UIDAI
Full Form
- Unique Identification Authority of India
Established
- 2009
Status
- Statutory authority under the Aadhaar Act, 2016
Ministry
Functions of UIDAI
- Issues Aadhaar numbers.
- Maintains the Central Identities Data Repository.
- Regulates Aadhaar enrolment and authentication framework.
Role of State Governments
State Governments facilitate enrolment and verify:
- Residence
- Identity
- Supporting documents
Assam’s Measure
Since document and residence verification is undertaken through State authorities, Assam has introduced District Commissioner-level scrutiny before adult applications are forwarded to UIDAI.
Legal Significance
Justice K.S. Puttaswamy Aadhaar Case, 2018
- Supreme Court upheld Aadhaar’s constitutional validity.
- It also reinforced privacy safeguards.
Major Uses of Aadhaar
- Direct Benefit Transfer
- PM-KISAN
- MGNREGA
- Pensions
- Scholarships
- e-KYC services
