Aadhaar is a 12-digit individual identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) on behalf of the Government of India
This number serves as proof of identity and address, anywhere in India
In a major decision, the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has removed the Aadhaar card from the list of documents acceptable as date of birth (DOB) proof
The EPFO notified the removal of Aadhaar Card as an acceptable document for date of Birth after a directive from the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)
In a circular issued on January 16, EPFO noted that Aadhaar-- which was being considered as proof of date of birth by several beneficiaries-- is primarily an identity verification tool and not a proof of birth
The circular has received approval from the Central Provident Fund Commissioner (CPFC)
Some recent court judgments have also reinforced that Aadhaar could not be considered as proof of date of birth