From December 1, link your mobile number to Aadhaar via OTP & IVRS

ET Bureau|

Updated: Nov 15, 2017, 11.05 PM IST

The Department of Telecom had last month allowed telcos to re-verify mobile phone numbers through three systems.

NEW DELHI: Come December 1, mobile phone users will no longer need to visit stores of telecom operators for Aadhaar-based SIM re-verification.

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has approved the model presented by telecom operators that includes alternatives such as a onetime password or OTP for re-verification of SIM cards issued on the basis of Aadhaar. “Yes, we have approved it. We had a very detailed discussion with the telecom operators, and they have come out with a scheme which is secure and will also be convenient to people,” UIDAI CEO Ajay Bhushan Pandey told ET.

“And this will help people verify their mobile number with Aadhaar without going to a telecom outlet, provided their mobile number is already added to Aadhaar database,” he said. 

The department also allowed re-verification through iris-based biometric devices and at the doorsteps of consumers who are unable to use OTP or fingerprint authentication or who are incapacitated and cannot go to retail stores.

The operators, thereafter, were instructed to approach UIDAI with their blueprint to operationalise the new processes. “The steps include one where subscribers can go to the mobile phone company’s portal and give their mobile number and Aadhaar number and then the OTP will come on the registered mobile number,” said Pandey.

The other option is that every operator will publicise an IVRS number and on that number people will have to key in their Aadhaar and their mobile number, and the OTP will come and they will have to enter to re-verify.