One woman’s clutch is another’s party clutch

Aadhaar has become mandatory for services in India such as banking, buying a mobile sIm or property registration. many NrIs are not eligible as the Aadhar Act 2016 states that only residents or NrIs who have stayed continuously for 182 days or more in a year in India are eligible to apply.

Nirmala D’souza, founder, OAK Consulting

I was thrilled when the Indian government said NrIs don’t need Aadhaar cards. However, when I went to India, I discovered you couldn’t do anything without an Aadhaar card. I was constantly being asked for one. No one cared or knew that I didn’t need one as an NrI. Shaheen Irani Hrib, independent consultant

Yes, I have an Aadhaar card linked to my pAN card. Having an Aadhaar makes dealing with administrative matters easier in India as all your details are updated in the system. It is helpful to have one central database to record all identity details rather than having to furnish your ID card for each transaction.

Shyna G., senior manager, corporate banking, HSBC

I only have a pAN card and no Aadhaar. I intend to get one when I travel to India next. However, it is a source of inconvenience that the government keeps issuing new rules. earlier, it was mandatory to have a Voter ID card for all transactions and there was absolute chaos to get one.

Rudaina Sayed, export supervisor, Nestlé