(MENAFN - NewsBytes)

Centre takes back December 31 deadline for Aadhaar-bank account linking
13 Dec 2017

In a major development, the Centre has revoked the December 31 deadline for linking Aadhaar to bank accounts, but hasn't provided a new date yet.

This comes a week after it told the SC it will extend the deadline for linking Aadhaar to various schemes to March 31, 2018.

It has already extended the deadline for linking PAN with Aadhaar by three months.

What are the various deadlines as of December 13, 2017?
Other deadlines

The government has made Aadhaar linking mandatory for bank accounts, PAN cards, mobiles, pensions, scholarships, LPG connections, Public Provident Fund, NSCs and KVPs and more.

For most services like savings schemes, bank accounts, insurance policies and mutual funds, the deadline stands at December 31.

For mobile phone numbers, the last date was and remains February 6, 2018. For PAN, it's March 31.

How to check if your bank-account is linked to Aadhaar?
Procedure

To check if your bank account is linked to Aadhaar, visit the UIDAI website at www.uidai.gov.in. Go to 'Check Aadhaar & Bank Account Linking Status' under 'Aadhaar Services' to check the status.

Alternatively, you can dial *99*99*1# on your phone, then enter your Aadhaar number to check status. However, this is possible only if your number is linked to both the bank and Aadhaar.

But, why are activists opposing mandatory Aadhaar anyway?
Protest

Meanwhile, several petitions have challenged the government's move making Aadhaar mandatory. One argument is that Aadhaar breaches citizens' right to privacy.

Another is security. How safe is the Aadhaar database from cyber attacks?

Moreover, there are concerns over reliability. Is there certainty that Aadhaar cards can't be forged?

Finally, are there enough checks to prevent possible misuse?

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