Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identification number assigned to every citizen of India, which covers all essential details about him/her. It is also the world’s largest biometric identity system. The task of collecting data and maintaining the respective information is entrusted to the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), established on 28th, January 2009.
Eyeing digitisation, the Government of India has mandated Aadhaar card link with a number of services such as bank accounts, PAN cards, mobile sim cards, EPF (Employees’ Provident Fund) accounts, and welfare schemes like PDS (Public Distribution System), MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act), old age pension schemes, etc.
Benefits of Aadhaar card link
The central government has directed Aadhaar links based on the following advantages-
- Details of all citizens under one umbrella– All important documents can be monitored by the government through one source. This also helps in checking fraudulent activities.
- ● Checking illegal migrants– Having an Aadhaar card issued functions as the necessary proof of citizenship. The government can easily track illegal migrants/residents if they do not have an authorised identification number.
- Easier to extend subsidies and advances– Since with Aadhaar card link, all details of the citizen are summed up within one document, it is convenient for the authorities to filter the eligible applicants under subsidy schemes. It also helps financial institutions to assess the eligibility of an applicant for personal loan, home loan, credit cards and other financial products/services.
Process of linking Aadhaar with mobile number
The Finance Act 2017 has made it compulsory for every individual to quote their UID (Unique Identification Number) while filing Income Tax Returns. For this, Aadhaar card link to mobile number and PAN (Permanent Account Number) is a mandatory step. The step-by-step process to link Aadhaar card with mobile number is provided here-
Step 1- Visit the nearest office your telecom operator along with your UID number.
Step 2- You will be asked to provide your mobile number.
Step 3- You will receive an OTP at the number provided.
Step 4- Proceed with OTP verification.
Step 5- The operator will then scan your fingerprint for biometric validation.
Step 6- Once the Aadhaar card link is complete, you will receive an SMS in the registered mobile number as confirmation.
Considering that providing your mobile number, PAN number and IT return documents is essential while applying for any kind of short-term loans or long-term advances, Aadhaar card and its linking is compulsory for Indians.
How to link Aadhaar card with PAN card?
The Union Budget of 2019 proposed that taxpayers must use their UID number instead of PAN while filing an income tax return, applicable from 1st September 2019. For the same, Aadhaar card link to pan card has been made compulsory. Apart from this, Aadhaar card and PAN card is also necessary to proceed with any financial venture- be it availing loans or initiate savings (in the form of savings accounts).
Leading financial institutions such as Bajaj Finserv provides their financial products against such basic documentation requirements and easy-to-meet eligibility.
The steps to link your PAN card with Aadhaar are-
Step 1- Visit the official website of income tax filing.
Step 2- Click on the profile-setting tab and select ‘Link Aadhaar.’
Step 3- Check if the personal details (as per PAN) being displayed on the screen is correct and verify it with Aadhaar.
Step 4- After verifying, enter the captcha code and select ‘Link Aadhaar.’
The UIDAI then checks the authenticity of all the details. Once verified, you receive a confirmation about the successful link Aadhaar PAN card.
Linking your UID number with all sources as directed by the government is as important as having all details updated in your Aadhaar Card. It also happens to be one of the deciding factors in approval of a personal loan, loan against property, etc. It is vital for every individual to know how to link their Aadhaar card and to successfully do so.