The UIDAI has directed all telecom operators to provide a facility that will enable their subscribers to check the mobile SIMs linked with their Aadhaar number to guard customers against any unauthorized use.

This decision was taken after the UIDAI found some retailers, operators, and agents of telecom companies allegedly misusing Aadhaar authentication facility to issue new SIMs or for re-verification of numbers other than that of the Aadhaar holder.

Warning telecom operators to ensure that their retailer and agents do not indulge in any fraudulent activities, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has directed telcos to make the new facility available to subscribers by March 15, 2018.

The telcos have been asked to provide facilities, including SMS-based offering that will allow their subscribers to check whether their mobile number is linked with Aadhaar as well as information on other mobile numbers is issued or verified against that Aadhaar number.

When contacted, UIDAI CEO Ajay Bhushan Pandey told PTI, "In order, for people, to know which mobile number is linked to Aadhaar, all telecom operators have been asked to provide this service to their customers by March 15."