The UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) is asking users of Aadhaar to register or update their mobile numbers for easier access to various government services online. According to the agency, Aadhaar based OTP identification will let users avail these services. This includes services like Digi-locker, eSign, eNPS, e-Hospital, e-verification of Income Tax Return (ITR), etc., being rolled out by the government departments using Aadhaar as identifier. Users can also apply for a PAN card or update their card using Aadhaar based eSign feature. Note that earlier in the budget, finance minister Arun Jaitley said the government would develop a social security platform using Aadhaar to target intended beneficiaries. Aadhaar card numbers: Overall the UIDAI claims to have generated 103.5 crore Aadhaar cards and opened over 23,000 Permanent Enrolment Centres (PECs) across the country. Users can also visit the PEC to update their mobile number in Aadhaar. A comprehensive list of PECs is available here. Aadhaar bill passed: In March, the Aadhaar Bill 2016 was passed in the Parliament. The bill was was introduced as a money bill which bypassed voting in the Rajya Sabha. A money bill exclusively contains provisions for imposition and abolition of taxes, for appropriation of moneys out of a consolidated fund. The Rajya Sabha cannot make amendments in a money bill passed by Lok Sabha. Govt facilities tied to Aadhaar: - In June, all state governments were directed by the Centre to link Aadhaar with domicile and caste certificates. State governments have been instructed that…
