Govt allows all states, UTs to conduct Aadhaar authentication of visitors of prisoners on voluntary basis

NEW DELHI: The home ministry on Friday allowed the prison departments of all states and Union territories to perform Aadhar authentication of the visitors to prison inmates, on a voluntary basis. This comes seven months after Aadhar authentication for prison inmates was allowed for the purpose of extending benefits like legal aid, correctional reform measures, health, skilling, vocational training and interview with relatives, etc.

In a notification issued under Rule 5 of the Aadhar Authentication for Good Governance (Social Welfare, Innovation, Knowledge) Rules, 2020 read with sub-clause (ii) of clause (b) of sub-section 4 of Section 4 of the Aadhar(Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016, the home ministry said the prison departments of the states/UTs may perform Aadhar authentication, using ‘Yes/No’ authentication facility, on those visiting prison inmates.

The state/UT prison departments have, however, been directed to adhere to provisions of Section 3A and 8 of the Aadhar Act with respect to the authentication of visitors below 18 years of age, also also comply with all other relevant provisions, rules made under the Act as well as directions issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India.

On March 26 this year, the home ministry had approved Aadhar authentication of prison inmates 'on a Yes/No basis' for availing various services and benefits during incarceration.