Feb 6 last date to link mobile with Aadhaar

The Department of Telecom (DoT) has asked all telecom firms to mention February 6, 2018, as the last date for linking mobile number with Aadhaar while sending SMS or interactive voice call to subscribers.

"Any communications/voice messages/SMS, which is to be sent by licences to their mobile subscribers regarding re-verification of mobile connections through the Aadhaar-based  E-KYC  process, shall contain the last date for re-verification, ie, 06.02.2018," the Ministry of Communications said in a notification on Monday.

The DoT order dated November 13 came after the Supreme Court recently asked the government to mention the last date for linking bank accounts or mobile phone numbers with Aadhaar.

To simplify the linking of Aadhaar with the mobile number, the DoT recently allowed re-verification through iris-based biometric devices and at the doorsteps of those consumers unable to use one-time passwords or incapacitated and cannot go to retail stores.

Separately, the DoT is also working to finalise steps to make it easier for consumers to re-verify their mobile numbers through Aadhaar without visiting telecom firm's office, by using one-time password through SMS, interactive voice response system and through mobile apps.

Recently, Telecom Minister Manoj Sinha had said that the government would simplify linking of mobile number with Aadhaar. He had also assured that numbers won't be disconnected for failure to link with Aadhaar.