New Delhi, June 12: In a major move, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved “The Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2019” to replace the Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Ordinance, 2019. The bill proposed is similar to those contained in the Ordinance promulgated by President on March 2. Aadhaar Card Holders Can Opt Out, Get Their Data Deleted As Government Looks to Amend Act.

The proposed bill would allow Aadhaar holder to use Aadhaar number for authentication on a spontaneous basis as acceptable Know Your Customer (KYC) document. The new amendment would provide a voluntary use of Aadhaar for authentication with the approval of the Aadhaar holder. No individual to be forced to provide proof of Aadhaar number unless provided by law. Aadhaar May Get Deactivated for These Reasons: Here’s How to Check UIDAI Status and Reactivate It.

Salient features of the amendments are:

  • Provides for voluntary use of Aadhaar number for authentication with the consent of Aadhaar holder.

  • Provides for use of 12-digit Aadhaar number and its alternative virtual Id to hide the actual Aadhaar number of an individual.

  • Gives an option to children who are Aadhaar holders to cancel their Aadhaar number on succeeding the age of 18 years.

  • Allows the use of Aadhaar for authentication on a voluntary basis as an acceptable KYC document.

  • Proposes deletion of section 57 of the Aadhaar Act relating to the use of Aadhaar by private entities.

  • Prevents denial of services for declining to, or being unable to, undergo authentication.

The Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Ordinance, 2019 was considered by the Union Cabinet in its meeting on February 28 and the Ordinance was promulgated on March 2. The new amendment is envisioned to strengthen the Aadhaar Act as per the directions of the Supreme Court of India.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 12, 2019 08:41 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).