The Centre has made biometric identification Aadhaar mandatory for all post office deposits, PPF, the National Savings Certificate scheme and Kisan Vikas Patra.

Existing depositors have been given time till December 31, 2017 to provide the unique identification number.

“Provided that where Aadhaar number has not been assigned, the depositor shall submit proof of application of enrolment for Aadhaar,” the notification from the Ministry of Finance dated September 29 said.

Existing depositors who have not provided Aadhaar number at the time of application for such deposit “shall submit his Aadhaar number to the post office savings bank or deposit office concerned, on or before December 31, 2017,” it added.

The government has insisted on quoting Aadhaar for bank deposits, obtaining mobile phone and several other utilities.

Schemes linked to Aadhar

Earlier, those who did not have Aadhaar were asked to procure it by September 30. As many as 135 schemes (of 35 ministries) including the free cooking gas (LPG) to poor women, kerosene and fertiliser subsidy, targeted public distribution system (PDS) and MGNREGA will be covered by the extension.

The extension will also apply for Employees’ Pension Scheme of 1995, scholarships, housing subsidy benefit, stipend to SC/ST trainees for coaching guidance and vocational training, stipend to handicapped and Aam Aadmi Bima Yojana.

Besides, it would be applicable for national apprenticeship and skill development schemes, crop insurance schemes, interest subvention scheme, scholarship and fellowship schemes, various education programmes such as mid— day meal for children and Atal Pension Yojana.

There will be no denial of services in the interim period.