Aadhaar amendments: New clause to allow use of data for state schemes

NEW DELHI: The government through an amendment to the Aadhaar Act has allowed the use of India’s national biometric ID by states for devolution of funds through their schemes.
The Lok Sabha, last week, and the Rajya Sabha this week approved amendments to the Aadhaar law to allow voluntary use of the 12-digit unique number as ID proof for obtaining mobile phone SIM cards and opening bank accounts.
Alongside this, the government also inserted a new clause allowing the use of Aadhaar data by states for implementation of their schemes.
According to the Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2019 – posted by the Lok Sabha after its passage in the House – a new section 5A has also been inserted.