Govt makes Aadhaar card mandatory for post office deposits, PPF, National Savings Certificate and Kisan Vikas Patra

The government has made Aadhaar card mandatory for all post office deposits, PPF, the National Savings Certificate scheme and Kisan Vikas Patra.

Current subscribers can provide their unique Aadhaar id till December 31.

Ministry of Finance has issued four separate Gazette notifications making Aadhaar mandatory for opening all post office deposit accounts, Public Provident Fund (PPF), National Savings Certificate scheme and Kisan Vikas Patra deposits.

"Provided that where Aadhaar number has not been assigned, the depositor shall submit proof of application of enrolment for Aadhaar," the notification said.

Existing depositors who have not provided Aadhaar number at the time of application for such deposit "shall submit their Aadhaar number to the post office savings bank or deposit office concerned, on or before December 31, 2017," it added.

Earlier, the government had insisted on linking Aadhaar card with bank accounts, and several other facilities to keep a check on black money hoarders.

The Centre had also extended the deadline for obtaining Aadhaar for availing government schemes and subsidies by three months to December 31. 

Meanwhile, Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government in Uttar Pradesh has decided to link all its beneficiary schemes to Aadhaar card for transferring subsidy directly to the accounts of the beneficiaries.

A decision to this effect was taken on Tuesday at the Cabinet meeting. The Cabinet has also decided to introduce legislation in this regard during the winter session of the UP Assembly.