Mobile numbers will not be disconnected for non-linking with Aadhaar: DoT

In a virtual volte-face, the government on Tuesday assured that there will be no disconnection of mobile numbers not linked with the Aadhaar number of consumers.

"The Department of Telecom is waiting for the Supreme Court verdict on Aadhaar linking to decide on the action against those who do not want to link their mobile number with Aadhaar," DoT Secretary Aruna Sundararajan told reporters.

At present, there is no plan to disconnect mobile numbers for not linking with the UIDAI number, she said.

"We are also working on alternatives for people who are abroad (to help them link their mobile number with Aadhaar)," she added.

Telecom minister Manoj Sinha said the government's aim is to provide mobile connection and not disconnection. However, we only want to prevent any misuse of the system, he added.  

The minister said the DoT is easing the process for mobile subscribers to "re-verify their numbers through Aadhaar without visiting telecom retail outlets".

UIDAI has already said that from December 1, mobile subscribers can re-verify their numbers by using One Time Password (OTP) without visiting mobile retail outlets.