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For almost every citizen living in India, the 12-digit unique identity card i.e. Aadhar Card has become an integral part of daily life. Aadhaar is used everywhere from opening a bank account, getting a SIM card, getting subsidies from government schemes to registering identity while travelling. But there has been a misconception among the general public for a long time that Aadhaar card is the final and strong legal proof of Indian citizenship and also date of birth. It has been made completely clear in the circulars and orders issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), Central Ministries and various High Courts and the Supreme Court that Aadhar Card is only and only 'Proof of Identity' and 'Proof of Address', it is not a conclusive certificate of citizenship or date of birth in any case. What is written in the UIDAI circular? It is clearly mentioned in the official guidelines and amended circulars issued by UIDAI from time to time that the issuance of Aadhaar number to an Aadhaar holder under Section 9 of the Aadhaar Act (2016) is not a proof of his citizenship or domicile. The following statutory disclaimer is now clearly printed on the new digital and physical formats of Aadhar Card: "Aadhaar is proof of identity, not of citizenship or date of birth."

The authority has directed all government departments, banks, Passport Seva Kendras, educational institutions and recruitment boards to ensure that Aadhaar alone is not relied upon for verification of citizenship or exact date of birth of any person, but other statutory documents are sought for the same. Why Aadhar card cannot be proof of citizenship? There are several strong legal and technical reasons for not considering Aadhaar card as a citizenship document: Resident-based Document: Aadhaar card can be issued to any person resident in India who has stayed in India for at least 182 days in the 12 months immediately preceding the date of application. This means that foreign nationals living in India on a valid visa or work permit are also eligible to get an Aadhaar card made. Citizenship Act 1955: Indian citizenship is determined only under the provisions of the Citizenship Act, 1955 (by birth, descent, registration or naturalization). Since citizenship claims of foreign nationals are not thoroughly verified when Aadhaar is issued, it cannot be considered as legal proof of citizenship. Importance of Passport and Voter ID: Only Indian Passport, Voter ID / EPIC and citizenship certificate issued by the competent authority are valid as primary documents of citizenship in India. Why is there a ban on recognition of Aadhaar as date of birth (DOB Proof)? Aadhaar card was earlier widely used as a proof of date of birth during school admissions, competitive examinations, pension claims and provident fund (EPFO) withdrawals. However, following directions from EPFO, Bombay High Court and Unique Identification Authority of India, the use of Aadhaar for verification of date of birth has been limited. Declared DOB: In the early years of Aadhaar enrolment, many people registered their age only on the basis of self-declaration or estimation without any official birth certificate. Many Aadhaar cards mentioned only the year of birth and not the exact date and month. Lack of documentary verification: In many cases, a huge difference was found between the date of birth recorded on the Aadhaar card and the date of birth in the school certificate, leading to legal disputes. For this reason, it was decided in the judicial orders that Aadhaar card will not be considered as conclusive proof in the legal dispute regarding date of birth. What documents are now valid to prove date of birth and citizenship? The following authorized documents are now given priority for proving date of birth and citizenship for government work, passport making, EPFO ​​claims and jobs: Documents valid for date of birth (DOB): Original birth certificate issued by Municipal Corporation, Municipality or Gram Panchayat. 10th class (Matriculation) mark sheet or passing certificate issued by a recognized board or university. Discharge Summary/Birth Record issued by Government Hospital. Passport and PAN Card (with verified records). Valid Document for Citizenship: Valid Indian Passport issued by the Government of India. Voter ID card issued by Election Commission of India. Citizenship Registration Certificate (Registration / Naturalization Certificate) issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Where will the correct and safe use of Aadhaar card continue? Even though Aadhaar card is not a conclusive proof of citizenship or date of birth, its importance in the digital and financial infrastructure of the country remains as before: Biometric Authentication: Aadhaar is the most accurate means of fingerprint, iris or face-RD authentication to prove the real identity of any person. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT Services): Aadhaar seeding is mandatory to receive PM Kisan, LPG subsidy, ration card distribution and government scholarships money directly into the bank account. SIM Card and Bank Account e-KYC: Aadhaar will continue to be the fastest medium to instantly open a new bank account or get a new mobile connection through paperless digital KYC. Address Proof: Aadhaar card will continue to be widely accepted in both government and private sectors for verification of residence. Important tips for common citizens: If there is any difference in the spelling of name, date of birth or parents' names in your Aadhar card, 10th class certificate and birth certificate, then get it corrected immediately. For date of birth, go to your nearest Aadhaar Seva Center and upload the original copy of valid birth certificate or 10th mark sheet and update your date of birth to 'Verified Status' so that there is no hindrance in any government or legal process in future.