The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has deactivated over two crore Aadhaar numbers belonging to deceased individuals as part of a nationwide effort to enhance the accuracy and reliability of its database.
UIDAI obtained information on deceased persons from the Registrar General of India, state and Union Territory administrations, and various central government departments such as the Public Distribution System and the National Social Assistance Programme. The agency also plans to work with banks and other institutions to gather more verified data on deaths.
The authority emphasized that Aadhaar numbers are never reassigned, but deactivating them after a person’s death is essential to prevent identity fraud and the misuse of Aadhaar for welfare benefits.
Earlier this year, UIDAI introduced an online feature on the myAadhaar portal that enables families to report a relative’s death. This service is currently available in 25 states and Union Territories linked to the Civil Registration System, with efforts underway to expand it nationwide.
To submit a death report, a family member must log in to the portal, provide the deceased person’s Aadhaar number, Death Registration Number, and other basic details. UIDAI then verifies the information and determines whether the Aadhaar should be deactivated.
The authority has encouraged citizens to use the portal to report deaths once the official death certificate is issued by the appropriate authority.
