Question 40 from UPSC CSE 2018 - Current Affairs

Question

Consider the following statements:
1. Aadhaar card can be used as a proof of citizenship or domicile.
2. Once issued, Aadhaar number cannot be deactivated or omitted by the Issuing Authority.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. Neither 1 nor 2

Strategy: Focus on the nature of Aadhaar: it is for identification, not citizenship or domicile, which invalidates statement 1. For statement 2, recall that authorities can deactivate an Aadhaar for misuse, duplication, or other technical/legal reasons, meaning it is not necessarily permanent once issued. Therefore, both statements are incorrect.

Key Info: Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) under the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016. It is based on demographic and biometric data.

Aadhaar is not proof of citizenship or domicile--UIDAI has explicitly clarified this, and the Act and its regulations prohibit its use as citizenship proof. The Aadhaar number can be deactivated or omitted by the UIDAI under circumstances such as multiple enrollments, misrepresentation, or on directions of a court or appropriate authority; Section 23(g) and the Aadhaar (Enrolment and Update) Regulations, 2016 provide the legal basis for omission and deactivation.

UIDAI also has the power to suspend or cancel Aadhaar numbers where discrepancies are found, for example, in cases of fraudulent entries or upon the death of the holder. Unlike statutory documents such as a passport, voter ID, or domicile certificate, Aadhaar is neither a citizenship document nor a domicile certificate. It is primarily used to establish identity and enable efficient delivery of government subsidies and and benefits.

Answer

Option A: 1 only

Answer

Option B: 2 only

Answer

Option C: Both 1 and 2

Consider the following statements: Aadhaar card can be used as a proof of citizenship or domicile. Once issued, Aadhaar number cannot be deactivated or omitted by the Issuing Authority. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Consider the following statements:

Aadhaar card can be used as a proof of citizenship or domicile.

Once issued, Aadhaar number cannot be deactivated or omitted by the Issuing Authority.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?