'Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance Rules' Notified [Read Rules]

Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance (Social Welfare, Innovation, Knowledge) Rules, 2020, have been notified today.

These Rules have been framed invoking  powers conferred by Section 53(1) and 53(2) (aa)  Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services  Act, 2016 which empowers the Central Government to frame Rules regarding the the purpose for which a requesting entity may be allowed by the Authority to perform authentication under Section 4(b)(ii).

Section (4) provides that an entity may be allowed to perform authentication, if the Authority is satisfied that the requesting entity is—(a) compliant with such standards of privacy and security as may be specified by regulations; and (b) (i) permitted to offer authentication services under the provisions of any other law made by Parliament; or (ii) seeking authentication for such purpose, as the Central Government in consultation with the Authority, and in the interest of State, may prescribe. 

Authentication is a process by which the Aadhaar number alongwith demographic information or biometric information of an individual is submitted to the Central Identities Data Repository for its verification and such Repository verifies the correctness, or the lack thereof, on the basis of information available with it. Requesting entity" means an agency or person that submits the Aadhaar number, and demographic information or biometric information, of an individual to the Central Identities Data Repository for authentication.

As per these Rules notified today, the Central Government may allow Aadhaar authentication by requesting entities in the interest of good governance, preventing leakage of public funds, promoting ease of living of residents and enabling better access to services for them, for the following purposes: 

(a) usage of digital platforms to ensure good governance;

(b) prevention of dissipation of social welfare benefits; and

(c) enablement of innovation and the spread of knowledge.

The Rules further provides that a Ministry or the Department of the Government of India or the State Government, as the case may be, desirous of utilising Aadhaar authentication for a purpose specified in rule 3 shall prepare a proposal with justification in regard to such purpose for which Aadhaar authentication is sought and submit the same to the Central Government for making a reference to the Authority.

Click here to Read/Download Rules

Read Rules