Don't demand Aadhaar, BBMP warns staff of crematoria

BENGALURU: The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike issued a circular on Monday instructing staff at its crematoria and burial grounds not to demand Aadhaar of the deceased from family members for performing last rites.
The circular, signed by the BBMP special commissioner (health), warned that strict action would be taken against the staffers if they insist on Aadhaar. The circular came within hours of TOI publishing a report, "No Aadhaar? You may not rest in peace," highlighting the plight of citizens who were asked to produce Aadhaar of dead persons for performing final rites.
In its circular, BBMP clarified that it hadn't issued any direction in the past i nsisting on Aadhaar as proof for cremation. The circular said a medical certificate confirming death from a doctor/hospital along with a valid photo identity proof of the deceased is enough to perform cremation. "In case any valid proof is not available, a self-declaration letter from a family member or close associate has to be submitted along with the photocopy of the deceased's ID," it added.