SRINAGAR: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has deactivated more than 2 crore Aadhaar numbers belonging to deceased individuals as part of a nationwide effort to enhance the accuracy and integrity of its database. The authority said the large-scale clean-up exercise aims to curb identity fraud and prevent unauthorised use of Aadhaar-linked benefits.
UIDAI has sourced data on deceased persons from multiple agencies, including the Registrar General of India, State and Union Territory administrations, the Public Distribution System, and the National Social Assistance Programme. It is also exploring collaborations with financial institutions and other entities to further strengthen access to verified death records.
While Aadhaar numbers are never reassigned, UIDAI emphasised that deactivation upon death is essential to avoid the misuse of identities for welfare schemes or financial transactions. The authority has been pushing for timely reporting of deaths to ensure fraudulent use is minimised.
Earlier this year, UIDAI launched an online facility on the myAadhaar portal that enables family members to report the death of a relative in 25 States and Union Territories integrated with the Civil Registration System. Integration with the remaining regions is in progress.
Under the process, an authenticated family member must submit the Aadhaar number of the deceased, the Death Registration Number, and other demographic details. UIDAI undertakes validation of the submitted information before initiating deactivation or taking further necessary action.
The authority has urged Aadhaar holders to proactively report deaths of family members on the myAadhaar portal after obtaining death certificates from the respective registration authorities.
