The Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance (Social Welfare, Innovation, Knowledge) Amendment Rules, 2025 have been notified by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

• The 2025 amendment to the Rules goes directly against the five-judge Supreme Court judgment in Puttaswamy v Union of India (2018).
• Section 57 of the Aadhaar Act, 2016 was struck down disallowing private entities from using Aadhaar authentication services

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Purpose of the Amendment

• These amendments fall under the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits, and Services) Act, 2016.
• The primary objective of this amendment is to enhance transparency and inclusivity in the decision-making process.
• Amendment to 2020 Rule: Expanding Aadhaar Authentication for Ease of Living
  • The amendment aims to enhance the utility of Aadhaar for better governance, efficient service delivery, and improved ease of living.
• It seeks to facilitate better access to services in various sectors, including e-commerce, healthcare, travel, and more.
• Aadhaar authentication can now be used by both government and non-government entities.
• It enables trusted transactions and ensures better access to services for residents.

Streamlined Approval Process

• Entities seeking to use Aadhaar authentication must apply with relevant details to the concerned government ministry.
• The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) reviews the application, and MeitY grants approval.
• Once approved, the respective ministry formally notifies the entities.

Expected Outcome

• The amendment is expected to lead to efficient Aadhaar-enabled services.
• It will encourage greater innovation in digital solutions across various sectors.

About Aadhaar

• Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).
• UIDAI functions as a statutory authority, established under the Aadhaar Act, 2016.
• Demographic Data: Includes Name, Gender, Date of Birth, and Address.
• Biometric Data: Comprises Fingerprints, Iris Scans, and Facial Photographs.
• Each Aadhaar number is unique to an individual, ensuring accuracy and preventing duplication.
• Aadhaar does not serve as proof of citizenship.

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Legal Framework of Aadhaar

• Section 7 of the Aadhaar Act, 2016: The government can mandate Aadhaar for individuals to access subsidies, benefits, and services funded by the Consolidated Fund of India or State Governments.
• Supreme Court Ruling (2018): The Supreme Court ruled that Aadhaar is constitutional but not mandatory for private services such as:
  • Bank accounts
  • Mobile number registration
  • School admissions
• Aadhaar Metadata Retention: The UIDAI is prohibited from storing Aadhaar authentication data for more than six months.
• Privacy and Security: The Right to Privacy ruling in K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017) reaffirmed the necessity to secure Aadhaar data and prevent misuse.

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