UP Government Issues Strict Orders: Aadhaar Card Cannot Be Used as Proof of Birth; Departments Told to Stop Practice Immediately
In a significant administrative move aimed at tightening verification processes and preventing misuse of identification documents, the Uttar Pradesh Planning Department has issued a directive instructing all government departments to stop accepting Aadhaar cards as proof of birth.
The order, dated November 24, follows a clear communication from the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) stating that Aadhaar is not a valid document to establish the date of birth.
The directive was issued after it came to light that, despite previous instructions, several state departments were still treating Aadhaar as birth proof in official work, including crucial processes such as recruitments and educational admissions.
The order, signed by Special Secretary (Planning) Amit Singh Singhal, cites a UIDAI letter dated October 31, 2025, issued by Deputy Director Aditya Prakash Bajpai from the Authority’s Lucknow regional office, which reiterated the clarification that Aadhaar is meant only for establishing identity—not age, birth date, or citizenship.
Departments Warned to Follow Rules Strictly
The communication notes that accepting Aadhaar as proof of birth could compromise the integrity of age-related decisions where accuracy is essential—particularly in:
- Government job recruitment
- Admissions to schools and universities
- Eligibility-based welfare schemes
- Legal and administrative evaluations
Officials have been instructed to rely instead on birth certificates, school records, high-school mark sheets, or other officially prescribed documents.
“This directive had been issued earlier as well, but some departments continued to ignore the instructions,” a senior Planning Department official said. “Strict enforcement is now essential to avoid manipulation or fraudulent claims related to age.”
Move Welcomed by State Leadership
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya publicly supported the decision, calling it a necessary step to curb document fraud and strengthen transparency.
Highlighting past controversies where age records were allegedly altered for political advantage, Maurya remarked: There have been cases where identity records were tampered with for electoral gain — for example, the allegations involving Azam Khan in altering the PAN records of his son.
This direction sends a strong message and should be welcomed by all.”
Why the Clarity Was Needed
UIDAI had earlier communicated similar notifications, most recently on June 5 this year, but reports of continued misuse prompted the renewed advisory.
Aadhaar contains demographic data shared by residents during enrolment, and the date of birth field may be self-declared in many cases, making it insufficient as a legally certified birth document.
The latest directive is expected to bring uniformity in government processes while strengthening mechanisms against identity manipulation and administrative loopholes.
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