If you have been reluctant to go to your SIM operator to get your phone number linked with Aadhar, here is some good news for you. The UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) has approved the blueprint which was presented by telecom companies to bring in new modes such as OTP (One-Time-Password) for Aadhar based SIM verification.
Sourced from PTI, UIDAI CEO Ajay Bhushan Pandey said – “Their (telecom operators’) plans have been approved…we have told them they will implement (the process) from December 1,”
“Mobile companies have assured the UIDAI that they will implement OTP-based verification of mobile numbers by month- end and this will allow people to get the verification done without actually visiting the store or retail agent,” – he added.
If you are not aware, last month, the central government announced three new ways through which this process will take place and instructed the telecom operators to present the blueprint to UIDAI for the same. The blueprint has now been approved and you will soon be able to get your number re-verified via these new methods starting December 1.
As for the new methods, you will soon be able to authenticate your phone number via OTP, via an App or IVRS (Interactive Voice Response System) facility. The option to get it done by visiting the stores will continue to operate and the government has also instructed the operators to conduct it at the doorstep of the users who are disabled, chronically ill and senior citizens.
Linking or re-verifying your mobile number with Aadhaar card will add an extra layer of security in the sense that no one will be able to issue a new SIM card in your name. This is mandatory for all and failing to do so by February 6th, 2018 might result in deactivation of services on your mobile number.
With new methods coming in starting December 1, we can see a significant bump in the turnout rate since currently, users have been reluctant to visit stores and get their number re-verified with their Aadhar card. With February 6 being the deadline for this process, we expect a majority of people will now be covered within the given time frame.