he Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has sent out a crucial alert to millions of Aadhaar cardholders across the country. In India, having an Aadhaar card isn’t just recommended—it’s essential. It serves as your digital identity, vital for everything from opening bank accounts and enrolling in schools to receiving healthcare and accessing government benefits. However, tampering with this card is a serious offense, given it holds sensitive biometric data. UIDAI urges everyone to avoid meddling with their Aadhaar card and to ensure its proper usage and verification at all times.
A key reminder from UIDAI: the QR code embedded on the Aadhaar card is your gateway to quick verification. Whether through the mAadhaar app or an Aadhaar QR code scanner, this code can be scanned across systems. Any interference or alteration to this QR code will immediately disable the functionality of your Aadhaar card in such scenarios. Cardholders are therefore urged to keep it secure.
Free Aadhaar Updates
For those who need to make changes to their Aadhaar details, UIDAI is offering a limited-time opportunity for free updates, valid only until September 14. After that, starting September 15, a fee will be levied for any alterations. This extension was primarily introduced for individuals who haven’t updated their information in the past decade. To take advantage of this, you can visit the UIDAI website and update your details at no cost.
Whether you need to correct your name, address, or date of birth, UIDAI provides both online and offline services to update your Aadhaar information. However, post-deadline, each update—whether done online or in-person—will incur a fee of Rs 50.
Furthermore, UIDAI has stressed the importance of safeguarding your Aadhaar details. Cardholders are strongly advised against making their personal information public. To enhance security, it’s recommended that you lock your biometrics and opt for a masked Aadhaar card when sharing your details with third parties. This will help protect your privacy and prevent potential misuse.
