Key Points
- Decentralized Process: India has decentralized Aadhaar Card applications, with states now managing issuance and address verification.
- City-Specific Updates: New requirements affect Bengaluru, Delhi/NCR, and Mumbai applicants, including halts on enrolments and new address-proof mandates.
- Extended Verification Timeline: In Delhi/NCR, address verification may take over a year and require additional documentation.
Overview
The Government of India has significantly changed the Aadhaar Card application process by decentralizing its management to state authorities. This shift places the responsibility of issuing and verifying Aadhaar Cards at the state level, allowing for tailored policies and localized oversight. Key cities, including Bengaluru, Delhi/NCR, and Mumbai, have implemented specific new requirements that applicants must meet when applying for an Aadhaar Card, affecting residents and certain non-residents.
In Bengaluru, new Aadhaar enrolments for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), foreign nationals, and refugees are paused until October 31, 2024. Starting in November, NRIs and foreign nationals need address proof signed by a Gazetted Officer for their Aadhaar applications. Meanwhile, in Delhi/NCR, applicants must present a Residential (FRRO) certificate that includes details for both the Post Office and sub-district. Notably, the address verification process in this region is expected to be extended, potentially taking over a year to complete.
Mumbai also sees new regulations, as applicants must now provide address proof verified and signed by a Gazetted Officer to obtain an Aadhaar Card. These city-specific updates reflect India’s effort to enhance the security and accuracy of address verification, reducing potential issues related to identity management. The revised requirements underscore the importance of accurate address documentation and formal verification by certified authorities, particularly in regions with high volumes of diverse applicants.
The decentralized Aadhaar Card issuance model represents a significant adjustment, offering each state the flexibility to refine the process according to local conditions. However, it also places a new responsibility on applicants, who must navigate varying state requirements to complete their applications successfully.
Looking Ahead
Applicants, especially NRIs, foreign nationals, and immigration professionals, should closely follow these state-specific changes and adjust documentation procedures as needed. Employers and HR teams working with foreign nationals in India should be prepared to guide employees through the new requirements and timelines, particularly in regions where address verification is prolonged. This decentralized approach may pave the way for further localized modifications to Aadhaar policies, and applicants should anticipate potential future adjustments as states implement and refine the new system.
