Aadhaar number mandatory for availing of govt subsidies and benefits

Under Section 7 of the Aadhaar Act, a person not assigned an Aadhaar number "shall be offered alternative and viable means of identification for delivery of the subsidy, benefit or service"

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has now made it compulsory to have an Aadhaar number on the enrolment slip in order to avail of government subsidies and benefits.

The move was announced by UIDAI on August 11, 2022, in a series of circulars. The circulars, which were marked to all state governments and central ministries, states that "as on June 30, 2022, more than 99% of adult residents of India have been issued Aadhaar numbers barring a few states." It also added that Aadhaar has significantly improved the quality of resident/citizen experience in receiving welfare services".

According to