Centre allows states to perform Aadhaar authentication of prison inmates

NEW DELHI: The home ministry on Monday allowed states and Union territories to perform Aadhaar authentication of prison inmates for extending services and benefits such correctional reform measures, health, skilling, vocational training, interview with relatives, legal aid etc.
The home ministry was earlier authorised by the Central Government to notify under Rule 5 of the Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance (Social Welfare, Innovation, Knowledge) Rules, 2020 and Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016, to perform Aadhaar authentication of prison inmates on a voluntary basis through the option of saying ‘yes’ or ‘no’.
“The prison authorities of the states/ UTs shall adhere to the guidelines with respect to the use of Aadhaar authentication as laid down by the Central Government,” the home ministry said in a notification issued on Monday.
“The aadhaar authentication will be done on a voluntary basis using Yes/No authentication facility, inter-alia, for delivery of various benefits/facilities to which they are entitled, such as, correctional reform measures, health, skilling, vocational training, interview with relatives, legal aid, etc,” the home ministry said while allowing prisons department of the states and UTs are allowed to perform Aadhaar authentication of prison inmates.