Q. Consider the following statements:
1. Aadhaar metadata cannot be stored for more than three months.
2. State cannot enter into any contract with private corporations for sharing Aadhaar data.
3. Aadhaar is mandatory for obtaining insurance products.
4. Aadhaar is mandatory for getting benefits funded out of the Consolidated Fund of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 and 4 only
b) 2 and 4 only
c) 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3 only
Correct Answer : b) 2 and 4 only
Question from UPSC Prelims 2020 GS Paper
Explanation:
Aadhaar Metadata Storage
The statement that Aadhaar metadata cannot be stored for more than three months is incorrect. According to the Supreme Court ruling in September 2018, Aadhaar metadata cannot be stored for more than six months.
Sharing Aadhaar Data with Private Corporations
The statement that the state cannot enter into any contract with private corporations for sharing Aadhaar data is correct. The Supreme Court’s decision prevents the sharing of Aadhaar data with private entities without the explicit consent of the individual. This ruling aims to protect the privacy of individuals and ensure that Aadhaar data is used strictly for purposes outlined by the UIDAI and within the legal framework.
Aadhaar Requirement for Insurance Products
The statement that Aadhaar is mandatory for obtaining insurance products is incorrect. Following the Supreme Court’s ruling, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) directed insurance companies not to mandatorily ask for Aadhaar details for Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements. This means that while Aadhaar can be used as a form of identification, it cannot be mandated for obtaining insurance products.
Aadhaar Requirement for Benefits from Consolidated Fund of India
The statement that Aadhaar is mandatory for getting benefits funded out of the Consolidated Fund of India is correct. The Supreme Court upheld the amendment to Section 7 of the Aadhaar Act, which allows the government to require Aadhaar authentication for beneficiaries receiving subsidies, benefits, or services where the expenditure is incurred from the Consolidated Fund of India. This provision ensures that Aadhaar can be used to streamline and secure the delivery of government benefits to eligible individuals.
