Aadhaar No Longer Accepted as Proof of Birth; Certificates Issued Solely on Aadhaar to Be Cancelled; Know Why?

State governments of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra have barred the use of Aadhaar cards as proof of date of birth. On Friday, Uttar Pradesh's Planning Department issued an official directive stating that Aadhaar cards do not contain any birth certificate information and therefore cannot serve as a valid substitute for official birth records.

Aadhaar No Longer Accepted as Proof of Birth in These States; Know Details

"In Uttar Pradesh, Aadhaar cards will no longer be accepted as a birth certificate or proof of date of birth. The Planning Department has issued instructions to all departments. No birth certificate is attached to the Aadhaar card; therefore, it cannot be considered a birth certificate. Amit Singh Bansal, Special Secretary of the Planning Department, issued the order to all departments. The Aadhaar card is no longer valid as a birth certificate," as per ANI report.

Maharashtra followed suit with a similar notification, emphasising that Aadhaar cards cannot be used for delayed birth certificate applications. Certificates issued solely based on Aadhaar under the Birth and Death Registration (Amendment) Act, 2023, will now be cancelled and reviewed by authorities.

The Uttar Pradesh order, signed by Special Secretary Amit Singh Bansal, instructed all state departments to reject Aadhaar as a valid document for birth verification. Meanwhile, the Maharashtra State Revenue Department directed officials to cancel any birth certificates issued after August 11, 2023, solely based on Aadhaar cards.

Authorities have warned that officials who approved such certificates may face action, and verification of birth records will now be overseen by competent district-level authorities, including District Collectors.

Targets Illegal Immigration

This policy change comes amid Uttar Pradesh's heightened focus on national security and border management. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered district administrations to identify and take strict action against illegal immigrants, particularly targeting foreign nationals residing in the state without proper documentation.

Temporary detention centres are being established to house illegal immigrants until their citizenship status is verified. Following verification, individuals with foreign citizenship will be deported in accordance with legal procedures. With an open border with Nepal, UP remains under increased scrutiny, allowing citizens of Nepal free movement while ensuring thorough checks on others.

What Citizens Need to Know

Residents of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra should note that Aadhaar cards can no longer be used as birth certificates or proof of date of birth. Citizens applying for new or delayed birth certificates must submit alternative valid documents as required under the Birth and Death Registration Act.