Aadhaar card can be obtained even if fingerprints are not provided; central government changes guidelines

NEW DELHI: The central government has changed the Aadhaar guidelines so that those who cannot provide fingerprints can also get Aadhaar card. The rule, which declared that both fingerprint and iris scan was needed to get Aadhaar card, has been changed.

Those who cannot provide fingerprints can get Aadhaar by iris scan. For those who can't scan iris, only fingerprint will be required. Those who are unable to do both can also enrol. The names and photographs of the people who enrol like this should be recorded in the software. Aadhaar should be issued to them by treating it as extraordinary enrollment. The Center has also directed to provide adequate training to Aadhaar Enrollment Operators in this regard.

The action comes after the plight of Joseymol of Kottayam Kumarakam, who was denied Aadhaar due to lack of fingerprints because her fingers are too small, came to light. Union Minister of State for IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar had asked to issue Aadhaar to Joseymol immediately. The change in rules was followed by this. A team from the Unique Identification Authority of India reached Joseymol's home in Kumarakam and allotted her an Aadhaar number.