Andhra Pradesh ULBs Enable Aadhaar for Citizen Services

What Happened

The Andhra Pradesh government has implemented voluntary Aadhaar-based authentication for citizens using online Urban Local Body (ULB) platforms. This initiative, formalized through G.O. Ms. No. 179 issued on Friday by S. Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary of Municipal Administration and Urban Development, allows citizens to verify their identity using Aadhaar through Yes/No options and e-KYC facilities. The move is intended to accelerate and simplify the delivery of civic services while bolstering security.

Why It Matters

This measure is designed to decrease the need for repeated documentation, improve the precision of municipal databases, and combat impersonation, duplication, and fraudulent activities. The government stated that this step supports the provision of seamless digital services by ensuring accessibility and preventing the exclusion of citizens.

Background

The implementation aligns with the Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance Rules, 2020, and provisions within the Aadhaar Act, 2016. The initiative received approval from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology after consultation with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).

Key Facts

• The Andhra Pradesh Government has enabled voluntary Aadhaar-based authentication for accessing municipal services online.
• Principal Secretary S. Suresh Kumar issued G.O. Ms. No. 179 on Friday, permitting Aadhaar authentication via Yes/No and e-KYC for identity verification.
• The government stated the move aims to reduce repetitive documentation, improve database accuracy, and prevent impersonation and fraud.
• The initiative operates under the Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance Rules, 2020, and the Aadhaar Act, 2016.
• Approval was granted by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology in consultation with UIDAI.
• Aadhaar authentication remains strictly voluntary, and citizens cannot be denied services for opting out.
• Alternative identity documents such as passports, ration cards, voter identity cards, and driving licenses must be accepted for those who do not use Aadhaar.