Aadhaar update: Amid the debate over Aadhaar not being considered a valid proof Indian citizenship the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has tightened rules for obtaining and updating Aadhaar cards for citizens in a bid to prevent misuse by various elements and make the process more foolproof.
How UIDAI is making Aadhaar rules stricter?
The UIDAI which issues Aadhaar cards will access online databases like passport ration cards as well as birth and matriculation certificates to verify the details of the individual applying for a new Aadhaar card or updating an existing one according to a Times of India (TOI) report.

This will ensure than only verified citizens who are adults are able to acquire an Aadhaar ID which is required to avail key government and private services including central welfare services.
What is second-layer verification?
As per the report UIDAI has developed has new tool that adds a second layer of verification during the enrolment or updating of Aadhaar by an individual. This novel tool will verify the identity of the person in question by accessing other identification documents available on online databases such as driving licenses PAN MNREGS details passports birth certificates etc it said.

In future the tool will also be able to access other categories of documents such as electricity and water bills ensuring a citizens homogenous identity it added.
Why UIDAI has tightened Aadhaar rules?
Earlier Aadhaar-- which was initially conceived as a proof of identity not citizenship-- could be availed with minimal security checks resulting in innumerable cases where the ID proof was allegedly issued to illegal immigrants non-citizens or even deceased persons. Over 140 crore Aadhaar numbers have been issued by the UIDAI in the last 15 years which allegedly also include the above mentioned cases.

It is going to be difficult for any illegal immigrant to now get Aadhaar the TOI quoted an official as saying. Citing sources the report said that even if illegal immigrants use Aadhaar to bypass the SIR of electoral rolls new ones will not be able to use it as a base for obtaining other documents.