Aadhaar alert: 12-digit Unique ID not necessary for this service

Aadhaar news: The  Department of Posts on Tuesday clarified that Aadhar is not mandatory for booking an International Parcel. The department, however, said it is mandatory to produce an Identity Proof acceptable for important transactions like booking an International Parcel or International EMS (Merchandise) for safety and security reasons. One of the accepted Identity Proof is Aadhaar, along with others like driving license, Passport, Voter ID etc which are also acceptable, the department said in a release. 

Aadhaar, as per the prevailing norms in the country, is not a mandatory document to be produced at the time of booking. Moreover, all such documents are only required for office record and are not required to be pasted on the consignments.

The clarification from the postal department comes in the wake of a media report claiming the India Post is asking for the display of Aadhaar number on parcels. The postal depart said that it appears that the confusion was created by an erroneous message generated from the Twitter account of the office of the Chief Postmaster General, Delhi Circle wherein it was mentioned that pasting of ID proof on consignments is in accordance with international guidelines.

The department has said that instructions are being reiterated to the post offices to ensure smooth booking of articles taking the convenience and regulatory requirements into account together. 

The Department of Posts has said that a copy of any ID proof including Aadhaar is required for booking of International Parcel and International EMS (Merchandise) for security purpose based on requests received from organizations like Narcotics Control Bureau and Wild Life Crime Control Bureau. India Post is committed to ensuring safety and security in its operations.