MOBILE AADHAAR CAN BE USED BY PASSENGERS TO ENTER AIRPORTS

NEWDELHI:Air travellers can now furnish mAadhaar card as a valid photo identity card to gain entry into airports. Photos or photocopies of the Aadhaar card, however, will not be accepted.

The Bureau for Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), which frames guidelines on aviation security, has included the electronic copy of the unique identification number card in the list of permissible documents for air travel.

The decision was taken on October 26. Until now, a passenger had to carry the original Aadhaar card or any other government identity proof.

UIDAI, which issues Aadhaar numbers, had launched the mAadhaar app for mobile users. Air travellers can show the unique identification profile on mobiles to the security personnel posted at the airport entry gate. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), however, has clarified that photos of Aadhaar or other documents will not be accepted.

“There was a confusion on Aadhaar. Passengers used to show photo or photocopies of the card but we would refuse entry. But we would allow those carrying the downloaded e-card from UIDAI website. Now BCAS has clarified it so there will be no dispute about it,” said a CISF officer, who wished not to be named.

The bureau has also clarified that minors accompanying parents will not have to show their IDs separately.