Should I Link Aadhaar? Should I Wait? Use This ‘Deadline’ Guide

SC has extended deadline for linking Aadhaar. But for what? And till when is the deadline extended? A quick guide.

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Video Editor: Vivek Gupta

Whether we’re eating food, working in the office, sleeping or commuting, there’s one thing we’re all familiar with — the messages and calls to link Aadhaar. Bank accounts, phone numbers, mutual funds, insurance schemes, you name it and there’s a request to link the service with Aadhaar not far behind.

On 15 December, the Supreme Court passed an interim order which extends the deadline for linking Aadhaar to services and government benefits. But what is the final deadline? And does this mean it’s time for you to get an Aadhaar?

The Quint brings you a quick guide.

A Date for ‘Em All – 31 March 2018

The deadline for linking Aadhaar to services like bank accounts, phone numbers, mutual funds, insurance schemes and other government benefits is 31 March 2018.

This applies to government schemes at the Centre and for all state governments.

Earlier, the deadline for linking bank accounts to Aadhaar was 31 December 2017, while the deadline for phone numbers was 6 February 2018.

Shall I Get an Aadhaar? Wait till January 2018

In its order, the Supreme Court has finally given a date where it will decide the constitutionality of Aadhaar: 17 January 2018.

The constitutionality of Aadhaar will address the privacy and security concerns associated with Aadhaar and its mandatory linking. So, if you don’t have an Aadhaar card yet, it is better to wait until 17 January 2018, when a final decision will be taken.

How Do I Stop the Calls on Aadhaar Linking?

If you’re frustrated at incessant calls and messages asking you to link Aadhaar, then you’re not the only one! A group of volunteers have started a website called ‘Speak For Me’ asking people to write to their MPs to discuss Aadhaar in Parliament.

So, write to your MPs, wait for the Supreme Court decision in January 2018 and use the mute button on your phone when you’re called about Aadhaar-linking.

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