Aadhaar in national interest, does not violate privacy: RS Prasad

Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad introduced the Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2019 in the Lok Sabha despite opposition by Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP). He also stated that Aadhaar is in the interest of the nation and does not violate privacy.

New Delhi:Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Monday defended theAadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2019, and claimed that Aadhaar' is in the interest of the nation and does not violate privacy.

“All the issues raised here have been dealt with elaborately by Supreme Court. Aadhaar is a valid law. It is in the national interest and does not violate privacy,” said Prasad while introducing the Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2019 despite opposition by Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) in the ongoing Lok Sabha session.

He was responding to concerns raised by Revolutionary Socialist Party's (RSP) N K Premachandran, who opposed the introduction of the Bill, saying it violates an earlier Supreme Court judgment and allows private entities to store data.

Prasad said today, 68 crore people have taken SIM cards through Aadhaar and 65 crore bank accounts are through Aadhaar.

"People of India are accepting Aadhaar," he contended.

Prasad said he wants to reassure that there is no mandatory compliance because SIM cards can be taken with or without Aadhaar.

The Bill proposes the voluntary use of Aadhaar as an identity proof for opening bank accounts as well as procuring mobile phone connections. It will replace an ordinance issued in March this year and proposes stiff penalties for violation of norms.

The Bill seeks to amend Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act 2016, the Indian Telegraph Act 1885 and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act 2002.

It also proposes to give children an option to exit from the biometric ID programme on attaining 18 years of age.

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