UIDAI nod to telcos' blueprint on new SIM reverification modes
New Delhi, Nov 15 (PTI) The Unique IdentificationAuthority of India has approved the blueprint presented bytelcos to operationalise new modes like OTP for Aadhaar-basedSIM reverification of existing subscribers from December 1.
"Their (telecom operators') plans have been approved...
They have come and we have told them they will implement (theprocess) from December 1," UIDAI CEO Ajay Bhushan Pandey toldPTI.
The government last month had announced three new waysto complete the process of linking mobile phone numbers withAadhaar to enable existing subscribers to undergo SIM re-verification exercise from the comfort of their home.
The operators, thereafter, were instructed to approachthe UIDAI with their blueprint to operationalise the newprocesses that were permitted, and implement the new systemafter the Aadhaar-issuing body gave clearance.
The plans were considered and approved from the point ofview of security, compliance with the Aadhaar Act andprotection of privacy, he added.
As per the new methods that were permitted, mobilenumbers can be linked with Aadhaar through OTP (one-timepassword), app or IVRS facility -- the measure aimed atsimplifying the entire process and making it convenient forpeople.
While the authentication of mobile phone number withAadhaar, a process called re-verification, by visiting storesof telecom firms will continue, the government has ordered thecompanies to carry out the exercise at the doorsteps of thedisabled, chronically ill and senior citizens.
Telecom operators have also been directed to deploy irisdevices at "appropriate number of service points" sosubscribers have access to iris authentication "within areasonable geographical distance".
"Mobile companies have assured the UIDAI that they willimplement OTP-based verification of mobile numbers by month-end and this will allow people to get the verification donewithout actually visiting the store or retail agent," Pandeyadded.
He said the new methods would also "help achieve the(re-verification) task in the given timeframe (February 6deadline) and make the whole system more secure as it willprevent misuse of mobile number by unscrupulous elements". PTIMBI JDARD.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.