In a landmark decision, the Uttar Pradesh government under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced that Aadhaar cards will no longer be accepted as proof of date of birth for any official work, including government jobs, promotions, and pensions. The directive, issued by the state’s Planning Department, has been circulated to all departments, making it clear that Aadhaar can only serve as an identity document, not as a birth certificate.
The Official Order
Planning Department directive: Special Secretary Amit Singh Bansal clarified that Aadhaar does not contain a verified birth certificate, and hence cannot be considered valid proof of DOB.
- Scope of impact: The order applies across all government departments in Uttar Pradesh, affecting recruitment, service records, and pension eligibility.
- Alternative documents: Citizens will now be required to furnish birth certificates, school records, or municipal documents to establish their date of birth.
Why Aadhaar Was Rejected
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has long maintained that the date of birth in Aadhaar is often self-declared by applicants and not verified against authentic records. This has led to inconsistencies and misuse, prompting states like Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra to formally reject Aadhaar as proof of birth.
Wider Context
- Maharashtra’s parallel move: The Maharashtra government has also cancelled Aadhaar-based birth and death certificates, citing similar concerns about authenticity.
- National implications: The decision could influence other states to adopt stricter verification norms, especially in sensitive areas like pensions and government employment.
- Immigration concerns: Officials suggest the move is part of broader efforts to maintain accurate records and prevent misuse by illegal immigrants.
Public Reaction
While some citizens welcome the move as a step toward ensuring authenticity in government records, others fear it may create hurdles for individuals who lack traditional documents. The debate highlights the tension between ease of access offered by Aadhaar and the need for verified documentation in official processes.
What This Means for Citizens
- Government employees: Must update service records with valid birth certificates or school documents.
- Pensioners: Required to submit municipal or school-issued certificates for pension eligibility.
- Job applicants: Aadhaar alone will not suffice; verified DOB documents are mandatory.
- This decision marks a significant shift in how Aadhaar is treated in official processes. While it remains a cornerstone of identity verification in India, its role as proof of date of birth has now been decisively curtailed in Uttar Pradesh.
