Consider the following statements : 1. Aadhaar card can be used as a proof of citizenship or domicile. 2. Once issued, Aadhaar number cannot be deactivated or omitted by the Issuing Authority. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2 ✓ UPSC's answer
Why the answer is (d)
• Statement 1 is wrong: Section 9 of the Aadhaar Act, 2016 states that an Aadhaar number is not proof of citizenship or domicile; it is only proof of identity, and residents (including foreigners staying 182 days) can obtain it.
• Statement 2 is wrong: under Section 23 and the Aadhaar Regulations, UIDAI can deactivate or omit a number for reasons such as fraud, biometric mismatch, duplicate enrolment or death.
• Hence neither 1 nor 2, option (d).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 only
- Statement 1 is wrong: Aadhaar is not proof of citizenship.
- (b) 2 only
- Statement 2 is wrong: UIDAI can deactivate numbers.
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- Both statements are wrong.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2018, held on 3 June 2018. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.