Rules Tighten Aadhaar Name Correction: Gazette Notification Now Required

Doing so, Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) on Wednesday tightened some rules concerning corrections of name in Aadhaar card. From now on, anyone who wishes to change a name in the Aadhaar card will have to submit a gazette notification as part of documents applied for the correction.

Aadhar card correction 

What is the change?

Before, Aadhaar users could apply for name change by simply submitting normal identification documents, such as a voter ID or passport, but now, under the amended guidelines, a change in name will require an official government-issued gazette notification. This will ensure that change in name and the Aadhaar system will be that much more secure from authenticity.

The authority has stated that this is a fraud prevention measure for all purposes to protect the integrity of the centralized identity database for India.

Gazette Notification: What It Is

A gazette notification is a formal announcement by the Government, usually published in official government gazettes about changes which serve as legal proof for name change. For Aadhaar corrections, one would have to:

Gazette notification 

Apply to the State Gazette office for name change.

Submit the gazette copy to UIDAI for verification. 

This might take some weeks, thus is complex compared to the earlier method.

What Is the Reason behind the Change?

UIDAI has changed its rules because of the increased relevance of Aadhaar in India's digital identity architecture. Almost everything is connected to Aadhaar like bank accounts and government schemes, leading the government to better the accuracy of the records in the database.

Moreover, the move is part of the government's agenda to lessen identity fraud and strengthen the security of data.

Obstacles Ahead

While the step increases security, it puts hurdles in the path of accessibility. For a majority of the citizens, especially the rural or deprived ones, it proves difficult to even travel the gauntlet of the gazette application process. They say that this will only add an additional bureaucratic layer and will only inconvenience millions of Aadhaar holders.

How Will You Go About Changing Your Name?

1. Gazette Notification Application: 

Visit your state or Central  Govt Gazette office and submit the marching documents, affidavit, identity proofs, etc.

2. Wait for Publication: 

After approval, the official gazette will publish your name change. 

3. Submit to UIDAI: 

Submit the gazette copy along with other required documents of Aadhaar correction.

The Final Words

Through strong procedures, this change will give assurance to citizens regarding the credibility of Aadhaar. However, it may throw up some challenges for certain citizens, but then, increased focus on security and authenticity should make for a stronger identity system.