RBI: Seeding of bank accounts with Aadhaar numbers is voluntary

2015-16/289
FIDD.CO.LBS.BC. No.17/02.01.001/2015-16

Dated- January 14, 2016

The Chairman and Managing Director
Scheduled Commercial Banks including RRBs

Dear Sir/Madam,

Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Scheme –
Seeding of Aadhaar in Bank Accounts – Clarification

Please refer to circular RPCD.CO.LBS.BC.No.11/02.01.001/2013-14 dated July 9, 2013 regarding the use of Aadhaar to facilitate delivery of social welfare benefits by direct credit to the bank accounts of beneficiaries as also the following circulars on the same subject matter:

RPCD.CO. LBS.BC.No.75/02.01.001/2012-13 dated May 10, 2013
RPCD.CO.RRB.BC.No.88/03.05.33/2011-12 dated June 19, 2012
RPCD.CO.FID.BC.No.41/12.01.011/2011-12 dated November 30, 2011
RPCD.CO.BC.FID.No.16/12.01.019/2011-12 dated August 12, 2011.

2. In this connection, in view of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India’s interim orders dated August 11, 2015 and October 15, 2015 (W.P. ( c ) No. 494 of 2012) on usages of Aadhaar, it is hereby clarified that use of Aadhaar Card and seeding of bank accounts with Aadhaar numbers is purely voluntary and it is not mandatory.

Yours faithfully,

(A. Udgata)
Principal Chief General Manager