900,000 Assam Residents Have Aadhaar Biometric Data Unlocked in 2024

Over 900,000 residents of Assam, India have had their Aadhaar biometric data successfully unlocked during 2024, according to an announcement by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on January 1, 2025. The development marks a significant milestone in resolving identity verification challenges in the northeastern state.

The unlocking resolves a substantial backlog of cases dating back to 2019, when these residents’ biometric data became locked, preventing them from obtaining Aadhaar cards. The lockouts occurred during the state’s National Register of Citizens (NRC) verification process, which aimed to identify legal residents. Approximately 80 percent of the affected individuals have now received their Aadhaar cards following the unlocking process.

Aadhaar, India’s comprehensive biometric identification system, provides residents with a unique 12-digit identification number. The system collects and stores biometric data including fingerprints, iris scans, and facial photographs, along with demographic information. The identification is required to access numerous government services and benefits in India, and serves as the foundation of the country’s digital identity infrastructure.

The unlocking process is especially important as Aadhaar authentication has become mandatory for accessing government welfare schemes and subsidies through the Aadhaar Payment Bridge (APB) system. The restoration of biometric access enables these Assam residents to fully participate in government programs and services, including healthcare, education, and financial benefits.

Beyond government services, the unlocking also allows residents to engage in various aspects of India’s expanding digital economy. The change includes access to Aadhaar-enabled banking services, where citizens can conduct financial transactions using only their biometric data at specialized ATMs, as well as participation in digital identity verification systems being implemented across educational institutions and other sectors.

The UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) has implemented additional security measures in recent years, including the ability for citizens to voluntarily lock their biometric data to prevent unauthorized use. The feature represents part of the authority’s ongoing efforts to enhance privacy protections while maintaining the system’s effectiveness for legitimate purposes.

Sources: Lok Mat Times, The Sentinel, Punjab News Express

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January 01, 2025 – by the ID Tech Editorial Team