Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance Amendment Rules, 2025

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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