Aadhar card is not compulsory for any Covid-related service, confirmed the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) on Saturday with misleading reports that are claiming that Aadhar Card is compulsory for vaccines and hospitalization.
The UIDAI revealed in a statement, “If one does not have Aadhaar or if Aadhaar online verification is not successful due to some reason, the concerned agency or department has to provide the service as per Section 7 of Aadhaar Act, 2016 and the Cabinet Secretariat OM dated 19th Dec 2017.”
Aadhar Card is one of the photo-identity cards needed for vaccine registration. However, several other documents can be used instead of Aadhar card, which can also be PAN card, driving license, pension document, or government’s health insurance can be considered valid.
The health ministry has also issued an SOP for the vaccination of those who may have not prescribed identity cards which includes Aadhar card.
UIDAI released a statement saying that not having Aadhar should not be used as an excuse for denying the essential service. The statement said, “There is a well-established exception handling mechanism (EHM) for Aadhaar and it should be followed to ensure delivery of benefits and services in the absence of Aadhaar. If a resident does not possess Aadhaar for some of the other reason, s/he must not be denied essential services as per Aadhaar Act.”
