This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions or concerns about this article, please contact indiasupport@huffpost.com.

Now, Government Wants Prison Inmates, Visitors To Be 'Aadhaar Seeded'

Another push for Aadhaar.
Bloomberg via Getty Images

In the latest push for Aadhaar, the government now wants India's more than 4 lakh prison inmates, and their visitors, to be "Aadhaar seeded."

The Indian Express reports joint secretary of Ministry of Home Affairs Dilip Kumar wrote to the director-general of prisons saying, "Considering the fact that 109 crore Aadhaar numbers have been issued, which covers almost 99 per cent of adult population, it has been felt that prison inmates should also be Aadhaar seeded."

This come at a time when there is a huge ongoing debate about the government making Aadhaar card mandatory for several day to day procedures like filing Income Tax Returns and for availing government schemes.

The Supreme Court had on Monday reiterated its previous stand that Aadhaar could not be made mandatory for welfare schemes. However, the apex court was also of the opinion that the government couldn't be stopped "from using aadhaar in other schemes like opening of bank accounts and filing of income tax."

The Indian Express also reported that the government wants visitors to be Aadhaar seeded as well so that only authorised visitors can meet prisoners.

The government had also said last week that Aadhaar would be made compulsory for even obtaining a driver's licence.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was reported to have been wanting Aadhaar cards for prisoners as early as in 2014.

Sources had told The Times of India two years ago that this would ensure prisoners and their families get their dues in welfare schemes.

Also In HuffPost India

Dhirubhai Ambani

9 Self Made Indians Whose Success Will Inspire You

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions or concerns about this article, please contact indiasupport@huffpost.com.