UIDAI Deactivates Over 2 Crore Aadhaar Cards of Deceased Individuals to Prevent Identity Fraud

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has implemented one of its largest database clean-up initiatives, deactivating over two crore Aadhaar numbers belonging to deceased individuals. This significant action aims to maintain accuracy in the national identity database and prevent potential identity fraud.

New Delhi authorities confirmed that this extensive deactivation process is part of broader efforts to ensure the integrity of Aadhaar records. The Ministry of Electronics & IT announced that this measure is crucial for preventing misuse of identity information after death.

The UIDAI has gathered information about deceased persons from multiple official sources, including the Registrar General of India, various state governments, Union Territories, the Public Distribution System, and the National Social Assistance Program. Additionally, the organization plans to collaborate with banks and other institutions to share verified death data in the future.

Officials have emphasized that Aadhaar numbers are unique and never reassigned to another individual, making deactivation following death essential to prevent fraudulent use or improper access to welfare benefits intended for living citizens.

Earlier this year, the authority introduced a new online service to streamline the deactivation process for families. The "Reporting of death of a family member" feature has been implemented on the myAadhaar portal across 25 states and Union Territories that utilize the Civil Registration System. The UIDAI has confirmed that the remaining states and UTs will soon be integrated into this system.

The reporting process involves a family member logging into the portal, verifying their identity, and submitting the deceased person's Aadhaar number, Death Registration Number, and other essential information. The UIDAI then verifies this information before proceeding with deactivation.

The authority is actively encouraging Aadhaar holders throughout India to report family member deaths via the myAadhaar portal once they receive the official death certificate. The UIDAI emphasized that prompt reporting helps prevent misuse of government subsidies and services that require Aadhaar authentication, maintaining the integrity of the system.