Aadhaar Card: These days, Aadhaar is such a crucial part of our daily lives that it’s hard to get anything important done without it. Whether it’s enrolling kids in school, opening a new bank account, or accessing any government benefits, Aadhaar is needed everywhere. It’s become the strongest proof of who we are. Sometimes, we need to update our address, phone number, or other details in Aadhaar, and then the UIDAI sends us a new Aadhaar card. This can often result in people having multiple Aadhaar cards, both old and new.
However, it’s crucial to know that the 12-digit Aadhaar number assigned to each person stays the same, regardless of how many times you update your details. The real issue comes when, due to some error or other reasons, two different Aadhaar numbers are issued for the same person. If you end up with Aadhaar cards that have different numbers, that’s a serious issue and can lead to major problems.
Disadvantages of having two different Aadhaar numbers
1. Risk of personal information theft and fraud
If you possess two cards with different Aadhaar numbers and one gets lost or is taken by someone else, your personal information could be at risk of being misused. Criminals might exploit your identity to take out loans in your name, commit bank fraud, or engage in other illegal activities.
2. Difficulty in accessing government schemes and subsidies
Government systems recognize each person by their Aadhaar number. However, having two different Aadhaar numbers can cause significant challenges when trying to access government schemes, pensions, scholarships, or subsidies. Your application might be delayed, benefits could take longer to arrive, or even be outright denied. This also raises the risk of government resources being misused.
3. Dealing with legal issues
According to UIDAI rules, having two Aadhaar numbers is totally against the law. If UIDAI finds out that you have two Aadhaar numbers, whether it’s a mistake or on purpose, you could face legal consequences, fines, or other penalties. This can have a serious effect on your financial and legal records.
What should you do if you have two Aadhaar numbers?
If you find yourself with Aadhaar cards showing different 12-digit numbers, don’t freak out, but act quickly.
Call the UIDAI helpline at 1947.
Send an email detailing your issue to the official address.
Or visit the nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre and explain your situation.
UIDAI will guide you on how to cancel the incorrect or extra Aadhaar numbers and ensure that all your identity and financial details are linked to just one valid Aadhaar number.
It’s common to get a new Aadhaar card after updating your details, as long as it has the same old Aadhaar number. But if you end up with two different Aadhaar numbers, that’s a serious issue. In that case, the best and safest move is to notify UIDAI right away.