Have you linked your Aadhaar Card to your Bank & Mobile number Here is why you must

Aadhaar is a unique 12-digit number, which serves as an identity and address proof. It can be easily authenticated using biometric data. Over the past couple of months, almost each one of us has been receiving constant reminders from Banks and Telecom Operators to link Aadhaar with our bank account and mobile number. Failing to do so might result in service interruption on your bank account or mobile number. If in case you are wondering how to go about the linking process, then continue reading further. 

Aadhaar Advantages:

1. Minimizes Fraud: One of the biggest purposes that Aadhaar serves is the reduce the possibility of fraud. With Aadhaar linked to mobile number, bank account, PAN and Income tax returns, there will be a significant fall in the occurrence of fraudulent activities across the country.
2. Easy Filing of Income Tax Returns: With Aadhaar, filing of income tax returns has become easier, as it is linked to our PAN numbers as well, thereby leading to quicker processing.
3. Nationwide acceptance: Aadhaar is accepted across the nation and can be used as an identity and address proof everywhere.
4. Easier access to government grants and subsidies: In order to be eligible for Government grants and subsidies, individuals were required to provide a range of documents to prove their identity and address. With Aadhaar, it will become easier to gain access to the same using a single identification document.
5. Acquisition of Passport: It usually takes more than a week to avail a passport, involving several steps, with Aadhaar you can get you passports in a much shorter time frame.
6. Digital Locker: Aadhaar is a digital locker which can be used for various purposes. It can be used to open a bank account, for receipt of monthly pension, disbursing provident fund and availing subsidies.

Bank Account Linkage with Aadhaar

Why is it required?

The government requires individuals to link their bank account with Aadhaar for quick processing of subsidies and incentives. In addition, this will also help in easier identification of money laundering and fraudulent activities.

Advantages

1. Aadhaar is a valid Know your Customer (KYC) document, and it can be used to open new or operate existing bank accounts
2. Direct Benefits Transfer (DBT) of government subsidies including LPG, Kerosene, sugar. and welfare funds such as pensions, scholarships, MNREGA wages, etc. This helps in increase efficiency and minimizing leakage]

How to link your Aadhaar:

Aadhaar can be linked with the bank account online as well as offline. In order to link it online, follow the below mentioned steps:

• Log in to internet banking
• Find the 'Update Aadhaar card details' button and click on it.
• Enter the details about your Aadhaar card and click submit.

The Bank will verify the details and link your Aadhaar to your account. You will be informed about the same through an email or SMS. If you wish to link it offline, you will have to fill the Account Seeding Form and submit it to the bank. This form can be downloaded from the website of the bank.

Mobile Number Linkage with Aadhaar

Why is it required?

Aadhaar linkage of mobile numbers will help track fraudulently issues sim cards and help in preventing issuance of SIM cards in someone else's name. Aadhaar will also serve as a nationally accepted identity and address proof.

Advantages

1. Transparent mobile number ownership: The biggest advantage of the linkage will be a transparent mobile number ownership. It will bring an end to individuals using different numbers under different names. The mobile number will be verified with the name on the Aadhaar and help in bringing a transparency of ownership.
2. Reduced fraudulent and illegal activities: With an increased transparency in ownership of mobile numbers, there will be a reduction in fraudulent and illegal activities across the country.
3. No documentation required for a new connection: Once the Aadhaar is linked with a mobile number, there will be no requirement of documentation in case of a new connection. This will make the process quicker and easier.

How to link your Aadhaar: In order to link the Aadhaar with mobile number online, a user needs to follow the below mentioned steps:

1. You need to visit the Aadhaar card website and download the correction application form.
2. Provide the required details as requested by them in the form.
3. At the top of the form, you will find a 'Field for update/ Correction' in which you need to tick 'Mobile'.
4. Enter your Aadhaar number in the given space.
5. You will see a section which requests your mobile number, enter the registered number here.
6. Once you have entered all the details, sign the form or provide a thumbprint and send the application through post to the address below:
   • Address 1: Box No.10, Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh - 480001.
   • Address 2: UIDAI Post Box No.99, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad - 500034.
7. You will receive a confirmation message that your mobile number has been successfully linked to the Aadhaar card.

You may also visit the nearest retail store of your telecom operator and submit your mobile number and Aadhaar details. The customer needs to submit an OTP received on the mobile number, get the fingerprint verified and the customer will receive a confirmation message within a day.

Linking Aadhaar with your bank account and mobile number is very easy and highly beneficial. It helps in protecting you and serving our national interests against various threats and frauds. So go ahead and link you Aadhaar today!!