Aadhaar-SIM linking deadline may get extended to March'18
What's the story
After extending the deadlines for linking PAN and bank accounts to Aadhaar, the Centre has requested the SC to allow the same for mobile-Aadhaar linking too. The deadlines for bank and PAN linking have been pushed to March 31. The Centre wants the same deadline for Aadhaar-SIM linking. The current deadline stands at February 6, 2018, one year from the Lokniti Foundation judgement.
Details
What is the Lokniti Foundation case?
The Lokniti Foundation had sought the scrutiny of cellphone users so that SIM card holders with fraudulent identities can be nabbed. Asking the government to take action on the matter, the SC had disposed of the petition. The Centre then informed the court in February'17 that it would place an effective mechanism to verify pre-paid SIM card holders within a year from the verdict.
Deadlines
What are the various deadlines as of mid-December 2017?
The government has made Aadhaar mandatory for various schemes, including pension, scholarships, LPG connections, Public Provident Fund, NSCs/KVPs etc. For SIM cards, the last date currently is February 6, 2018. For PAN, it's March 31. For bank accounts, the deadline is March 31 or six months from the commencement of the account, whichever is later. For other services, the deadline stands at December 31.
Process
How can you re-verify your SIM?
You can re-verify your SIM online, through call or SMS. For the former, visit your service provider's website and follow instructions. For IVRS or SMS, you have to call up/send a message from the number you wish to re-verify. Contact your provider for details. For any process, your mobile number has to be registered with the UIDAI on which a one-time password will be sent.