Bigger India
Out of Aadhaar, NRIs face stumbling blocks
UIDAI directive says only resident Indians are eligible for Aadhaar.
Despite clear directions from the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) on the applicability of Aadhaar as an identity document, non-resident Indians (NRIs) are having a harrowing time in accessing government services and registering land deeds as the Revenue Department is insisting on the biometric identification number.
UIDAI chief executive officer Ajay Bhushan Pandey recently issued an order after representations from NRIs, Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) pointing out that they are being asked to produce Aadhaar to avail themselves of government benefits and services.
Mr. Pandey had asked Central government departments and State governments as well as implementing agencies to keep in mind that Aadhaar as a document may be sought only from those who are eligible for Aadhaar and most of the NRIs, PIOs, OCIs may not be eligible for Aadhaar enrolment as per the Aadhaar Act of 2016.