Aadhaar Card-Mobile linking: From December 1 do it through OTP

Have you been finding it difficult to link your mobile with Aadhaar for the sheer hassle of making a visit to the mobile service provider due to time constraints? If yes, here's some good news from you. From December 1, it will not be necessary for you to visit these stores to link mobile number with Aadhaar. Instead, you can do this from the comforts of your homes through alternatives such as a one-time password (OTP).

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UAIDAI) has approved the blueprint presented by telcos to operationalise new modes like OTP for Aadhaar-based SIM re-verification of existing subscribers from December 1. "Their (telecom operators') plans have been approved. They have come and we have told them they will implement (the process) from December 1," UIDAI CEO Ajay Bhushan Pandey said.

However, make sure your number is already in the Aadhaar database. The department of telecom has already permitted telecom brands to carry out the verification process through interactive voice response system (IVRS) and via the brand's mobile apps as well. Another method is making use of Iris-based biometric devices for re-verification.

The deadline to link Aadhaar with existing bank accounts has been extended to March 31, but the new ones must mandatorily be linked to Aadhaar at the time of opening the account.

However, for senior citizens and the people with disability and chronic illness, Department of Telecommunications has also recommended for the re-verification at their doorstep.

It must be mentioned that there are 128 million mobile phone connections in the country and over 25% of SIM cards have been linked to 12-digit Aadhaar. The latter has become mandatory for availing a host of essential services like bank account, social schemes, mutual funds, PAN and even insurance policies.