Centre allows UPSC to perform Aadhaar-based verification of candidates: 5 points

The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on Wednesday, August 28, allowed the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to perform Aadhaar-based authentication, voluntarily, for verification of the identity of candidates.

The Aadhaar-based authentication has been allowed weeks after reports emerged that suspended IAS officer Puja Khedkar fraudulently availed multiple UPSC attempts beyond the permissible limit by faking her identity. Here's what we know so far in 5 points:

1. The Aadhaar-based authentication will be performed at the time of registration on the ‘One Time Registration’ portal and various stages of examination or recruitment test.
2. The authentication will be performed using Yes/No or/and e-KYC authentication facility, according to news agency ANI.
3. The notice from Ministry of personnel, Public Grievanves and Pensions stated: “In pursuance of sub-clause (ii) of clause (b) of sub-section (4) of section 4 of the Aadhaar(Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016, (as amended) read with rule 5 of the Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance (Social Welfare, Innovation, Knowledge) Rules, 2020, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Personnel and Training, having been authorized by the Central Government, hereby notifies that the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is allowed to perform Aadhaar authentication, on voluntary basis, for verification of identity of candidates at the time of registration on 'One Time Registration' portal and various stages of examination/recruitment test, using Yes/No or/and e-KYC authentication facility.”
4. “Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) shall adhere to all provisions of the Act, the rules and regulations made thereunder, and directions issued by the ‘Unique Identification Authority of India’,” it said.
5. The development has come weeks after the UPSC cancelled Puja Khedkar's provisional candidature and permanently debarred her from all future exams and selections after reports that she misused the power and also gained multiple exam attempts by faking her identity.

(With agency inputs)