Aadhaar card linking: Big relief for common man, deadline extended

Aadhaar card linking: The Supreme Court today extended the March 31 deadline for Aadhaar card linkages till the constitution bench delivers judgment on the matter. Earlier, the deadline for mandatory linking of Aadhaar card to avail of the benefits of various welfare schemes was set at March 31. The government wants to make Aadhaar card mandatory for services include 135 government schemes including the cooking gas (LPG) to poor women, kerosene and fertiliser subsidy and public distribution system (PDS).

The government today told the court that it might extend the March 31 deadline for linking Aadhaar card to government schemes.  The UIDAI has flagged concern on low Aadhaar enrollment and updates. It has asked 2,500 out of over 7,000 bank branches that have started the facility and instructed banks to take immediate steps to correct the situation.

The UIDAI said the enrollment or update carried out these laggard branches must be at least 16 per day. The designated bank branches should cater to people for Aadhaar enrollment and update, even if they do not have an account with that particular branch.