Seeding of Aadhaar Numbers & Linking of Aadhaar Numbers

Salient points from the Circulars

Seeding of Aadhaar Numbers & Linking of Aadhaar Numbers

There is a difference between Linking and Seeding.

1. Linking of Aadhaar number to account: Process by which the Post offices merely updates their Core Banking System (CBS) with the Aadhaar numbers of the customer against the account number. (Internal policies of POs)

There should be facility for the branch/back office to link the Aadhaar number with the account number of the customer.

a. The Post offices should ensure that the Aadhaar number is linked to the correct account number after due verification of the details.

b. In case of single account holders there is no issue, however for joint accounts the Post office should take care of:

i. The Aadhaar number should be mapped to a specific account holder. If the account holder get removed/deactivated Aadhaar number should automatically deactivated.

ii. If the POs is using the customer ID to map the Aadhaar number, then the system should be built in such a way that the primary account to which Aadhaar is mapped should be picked up automatically at the time of crediting the transactions.

c. Under no circumstances the same Aadhaar numbers should be allowed to be mapped against two customer IDs or multiple Aadhaar numbers are allowed to be mapped in single customer IDs.

2. Seeding of Aadhaar number in NPCI: This is the process by which the bank updates the Aadhaar number of a customer in CBS as well as NPCI mapper.

It requires following process:

1. Due verification of the documents (Internal policies)

2. Obtaining clear and explicit consent of the customer, for seeding the Aadhaar number in the prescribed Consent Form.

The Post offices should provide necessary training to their officials dealing with Aadhaar. They should clearly understand the difference between updating the Aadhaar numbers in CBS and updating the same in NPCI mapper.

Note: The NPCI mapper holds only the latest Aadhaar number seeded by the banks/Post offices and route all the direct benefits only to that Banks/Post offices that implies if a Customer has given his Aadhaar mandate to Bank as well as Post office then his/her subsidy will be routed only to Banks or the Post office whoever having the latest updated status of mapping. 

Note: Mere submission of Aadhaar number by the customer for any purpose should not be construed as consent for seeding into NPCI mapper.

There should be explicit consent for the customer in writing as per the prescribed proforma for seeding Aadhaar number in NPCI mapper.

NOTE: In case of any confusion or doubts and for details, kindly go through the enclosed Circulars & SOP.