Context
A printout of the downloaded Aadhaar card, even in black and white form, is as valid as the original card and there is no concept such as smart or plastic card, the UIDAI said
What has happened?
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has cautioned people about sharing their personal information with unauthorised agencies for printing Aadhaar numbers on a plastic card, while stressing that the Aadhaar letter, with its cutaway portion or the downloaded version, on an ordinary paper is “perfectly valid.”
Backdrop
Several agencies charge anywhere between ₹50 and ₹200, or more, for printing Aadhaar on a plastic card in the name of smart card.
No need for plastic card
The Aadhaar card or the downloaded Aadhaar card printed on ordinary paper is perfectly valid for all uses.
- Print out is valid: If a person has a paper Aadhaar printout, there is absolutely no need to get his/her Aadhaar card laminated or obtain a plastic Aadhaar card or so-called smart Aadhaar card by paying money. There is no concept such as smart or plastic Aadhaar card
- Valid in black and white also: The printout of the downloaded Aadhaar card, even in black and white form, is as valid as the original Aadhaar card sent by UIDAI,
Criminal offence
Collecting information or unauthorised printing of Aadhaar card or aiding such persons in any manner amounts to a criminal offence punishable with imprisonment under the IPC and, also, Chapter VI of The Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016
