UIDAI Intensifies Data Integrity Drive, Disables 2 Crore Aadhaar IDs of Deceased Persons

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has undertaken a significant data cleanup operation, deactivating over two crore Aadhaar numbers belonging to deceased individuals. This initiative marks one of the most extensive efforts to maintain the accuracy and integrity of the national identity database and prevent potential misuse.

The deactivation drive aims to prevent identity fraud and the unauthorized use of Aadhaar numbers to claim welfare benefits. UIDAI sources data on deceased persons from various channels, including the Registrar General of India (RGI), state governments, Union Territories, the Public Distribution System, and the National Social Assistance Program. The authority is also exploring collaborations with financial institutions and other entities to enhance access to verified death records. No Aadhaar number is ever reassigned to another individual.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Electronics & IT, deactivating Aadhaar numbers after death is essential to prevent fraud and the wrongful use of welfare benefits. UIDAI emphasizes that this measure safeguards public funds and ensures that subsidies, pensions, and other welfare benefits reach only eligible beneficiaries. With Aadhaar linked to over 3,300 government schemes, the implications of maintaining an accurate database are substantial.

UIDAI has introduced an online service on the myAadhaar portal to streamline the process for families to report the death of a family member. The "Reporting of death of a family member" feature is currently active for 25 states and Union Territories that utilize the Civil Registration System, with plans to integrate the remaining states and UTs soon.

To report a death, a family member must log in to the portal, authenticate their identity, and provide the deceased's Aadhaar number, Death Registration Number, and other basic details. UIDAI then validates the information before taking action on deactivation. The authority urges Aadhaar holders nationwide to report deaths of family members on the myAadhaar portal after obtaining the death certificate. Timely reporting helps prevent the misuse of government subsidies and services requiring Aadhaar authentication.

While the clean-up drive is crucial, challenges exist. One significant hurdle is that providing an Aadhaar number is not mandatory for death registration, leading to gaps in data. Many death records either lack Aadhaar numbers or contain incorrect information.

UIDAI has implemented safeguards and validates death records before deactivating Aadhaar numbers. The authority has also established procedures for reactivating Aadhaar numbers deactivated in error. Individuals who are alive but mistakenly marked as deceased can apply for reactivation and submit evidence for verification. To reactivate an Aadhaar number, the individual must submit a request to the nearest Regional Office/State Office with the prescribed application format, including biometric information for verification.

UIDAI's efforts to maintain an accurate Aadhaar database are ongoing. By deactivating Aadhaar numbers of deceased individuals and providing a mechanism for reporting deaths, UIDAI aims to enhance the integrity of the system, prevent fraud, and ensure that government benefits reach the intended recipients.