The Buyt Desk
Aadhar is a 12-digit unique identity number issued to every resident of India based on their address proof. Therefore, wherever there is a need for both ID and address proof, we immediately take out our Aadhar card. But next time, while you present your Aadhar card at hotels and other public places for KYC, be a little extra careful.
A recent post on Aadhar published by UIDAI’s Bengaluru regional office cautioning Aadhar holders against sharing Aadhar copies or originals with non-licensed users contradicted the claim of UIDAI. Although, UIDAI took back that statement soon after and asked people to exercise prudence while using Aadhaar as a document. Unique Identification Authority of India (UDAI), along with the Ministry of Electronics and Information and Technology, has already said that the Aadhaar card has all the security features, and it is a safe document to be used anywhere without worry. As UIDAI claims to have developed an ecosystem for Aadhar, which safeguards the privacy of Aadhar card holders, Aadhar card holders must avoid sharing this important document where it is not much needed.
Here is the list of places you can ask to submit alternative documents when asked to present ID proof.
Movie Halls, Gyms and Hotels Cannot Insist On Getting Aadhar – Aadhar card is an important document that acts as both ID proof and address proof, and most citizens of India have Aadhaar. Looking at its ubiquity, most organizations that require KYC ask for the Aadhar card. But, if you don’t feel comfortable providing your Aadhar as identity proof, you can ask to submit alternative documents, such as the driving license, Voter ID, etc.
The private organization cannot insist on providing Aadhar cards for KYC purposes. And if you have your masked Aadhar copy, you can furnish that to end your worry.
If you don’t have your masked Aadhar card, you can get the same from here
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Go to the website of UIDAI, https://uidai.gov.in
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Click on the option ‘Download Aadhar’ present on the homepage.
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Select Aadhar number
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Provide the required information, such as Aadhar and captcha
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Enter the OTP sent on the registered mobile number.
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Choose the option ‘Do you want masked Aadhar’.
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Tap on the option ‘Verify and Download.’
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And next, a password-protected Aadhaar card will get saved on your device.
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The password of protected Aadhaar will be the first four letters of your Aadhar and your birth year.
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You can uncover your masked Aadhar by entering the last four digits of your Aadhar.
It Is Not A Mandatory Document For Investing In Mutual Funds
Aadhaar is not a must-have document for mutual funds investment. You can complete your physical KYC by submitting your PAN and any other document as proof of address, such as your electricity bill or any document issued by the central government.
For online KYC, Aadhaar required, but in this case also, no need to give the Aadhaar card copy to anyone. Organizations issuing mutual fund organization completes the eKYC by authenticating Aadhaar via OTP, which UIDAI sends on the registered mobile number and email ID of the Aadhaar holder. Nevertheless, it is possible only when your Aadhaar and PAN are linked.
Aadhaar Is Not A Mandatory Document For Buying Insurance Policy – Aadhaar is not a valid document for buying any insurance policy. If you do not want to share your Aadhaar with the insurance company, you can ask for alternate documents. In order to do eKYC, insurance companies follow the regulations same as a mutual fund. And for KYC, masked Aadhaar can also be used.
Mandatory For Subsidy-linked Bank Accounts – For the opening of a bank account or taking a loan also, Aadhaar is not a necessary document provided that the account is not for receiving government subsidy, then you need to submit the Aadhaar. Further, if you are not comfortable sharing your Aadhaar details but want to use them for KYC, options are there with banks. Generate a mask Aadhaar and use it for the purpose. Bank can do eKYC by sending OTP to the registered mobile number.
If the bank is doing your video KYC, you can choose to hide the middle four or six digits of your Aadhaar.
Conclusion – UIDAI has asked Aadhaar users to exercise normal prudence while using the document. Thoughtless use of documents can cost identity theft also. UIDAI practise the best safety standard to protect Aadhaar data and gives us a few options to keep it protected at our end. The virtual ID and mask Aadhaar are a few options. Use this facility wherever you can. It will safeguard you from various threats of online scams.
