The Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2019 has been passed by both Houses of the Parliament on July 08, 2019.
The amendments were as per the directions of the Supreme Court ‘on privacy’ and recommendations of Justice B.N.Srikrishna’s Amendments to Aadhaar.
It amends
Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016
Indian Telegraph Act, 1885
Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.
Key Amendments
No individual will be compelled to provide proof of possession of Aadhaar number or undergo authentication for the purpose of establishing his identity unless provided by a law made by Parliament.
It allows the use of Aadhaar number for authentication on a voluntary basis as an acceptable KYC document to open bank accounts.
It gives a child an option to exit from the biometric ID programme on attaining 18 years of age.
It prevents denial of services for refusing to, or being unable to, undergo authentication.
It provides for the establishment of Unique Identification Authority of India Fund.
It provides for civil penalties, its adjudication, appeal thereof in regard to violations of Aadhaar Act and provisions by entities in the Aadhaar ecosystem.