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Synopsis

The Central Government, through the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has notified the Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance (Social Welfare, Innovation, Knowledge) Amendment Rules, 2025 under the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016. The ministry aims to promote ease of living of residents and enabling better access to services for them with the amendments.

The amendment expands the scope of Aadhaar authentication, allowing both government and private entities to use the service for delivering various public and commercial services. These include service delivery in sectors like e-commerce, tourism, hospitality, and healthcare.

“Any entity other than the Ministry or Department referred to in sub-rule (1), which is desirous of utilising Aadhaar authentication, shall prepare a proposal with justification in regard to the authentication sought being for a purpose specified in rule 3 and in the interest of State, and submit the same to the concerned Ministry or Department of the appropriate Government,” the notification dated January 31, 2025 stated.

Following the proposal made by any private entity, their applications will be reviewed by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), following which MeitY will issue approvals based on UIDAI's recommendations. Once approved, the concerned ministry or department will formally notify the entity for Aadhaar usage.

Announcing the amendment on X, MeitY stated: “Amendments to enhance the scope for residents in availing many new services seamlessly w.r.t E-Commerce, Travel, Tourism, Hospitality, and Health Services. Amended Rules to promote the ease of living and livelihood!”