Authentication Woes

THE SUPREME COURT has clearly reiterated its position that the use of Aadhaar, the unique 12- digit identification number given to Indian residents, will remain restricted to social services and entitlements such as public distribution system and the National Rural Employment Guarantee scheme until the court issues its final verdict.

An earlier order had set March 31 as the deadline for Aadhaar linkage for other services including banking and telecom; with the latest directive, the deadline has been extended. Although this provides relief to those apprehensive about sharing their Aadhaar number and authenticating their identity using biometrics, it doesn’t mean that the requests and reminders will stop. The government needs to issue clear instructions to agencies, both governmental and private, that no requests be made but for the purposes that the apex court has already sanctioned.