This document summarizes the Indian government's response to concerns raised in Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2853 regarding issues with biometric verification of Aadhaar cards, specifically addressing rejection of benefits, challenges faced by vulnerable populations, and resolution efforts.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology acknowledges that challenges exist with fingerprint-based Aadhaar authentication, often linked to factors like biometric lock, worn fingerprints (due to age or occupation). However, they emphasize that the Aadhaar Act mandates organizations to provide alternative identification methods and not deny services based solely on Aadhaar authentication failure.
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), responsible for issuing Aadhaar, has issued approximately 142 crore (1.42 billion) Aadhaar numbers and facilitated over 13,000 crore (130 billion) authentications. To mitigate issues with fingerprint authentication, UIDAI offers multiple authentication methods, including demographic authentication, OTP-based authentication, biometric authentication (face, fingerprint, iris), and QR code scanning.
UIDAI undertakes several initiatives to improve authentication success, including operator training, promoting face and iris authentication, regularly updating devices and software, and encouraging best finger detection to enhance fingerprint match accuracy. Furthermore, UIDAI conducts workshops and media campaigns to promote awareness of alternative authentication methods and the importance of periodic biometric updates. Face authentication is specifically highlighted as a beneficial alternative for senior citizens and manual laborers experiencing fingerprint-related challenges.
Key Entities Referenced
biometric authentication: The process of verifying a person's identity using their unique biological traits, such as fingerprints, face, or iris.
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology: The Indian government ministry responsible for electronics and information technology policy.
Lok Sabha: The lower house of the Parliament of India, where the question was raised.
Aadhaar: A 12-digit unique identification number issued to residents of India based on their biometric and demographic data.
Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI): The statutory authority responsible for issuing Aadhaar numbers and regulating Aadhaar authentication.
Aadhaar Act: The law that governs the issuance and use of Aadhaar numbers in India.
Jitin Prasada: Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, who provided the answer to the parliamentary question.
One-Time Password (OTP): A type of authentication method used as an alternative to biometric verification.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2853
TO BE ANSWERED ON: 06.08.2025
ISSUES IN BIOMETRIC VERIFICATION OF AADHAAR CARDS
2853. SHRI RAJA A:
Will the Minister of ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:
(a) whether there are any complaints received about issues arising out of biometric verification of aadhaar
cards for the beneficiaries and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether any survey conducted to find out the extent of rejection of benefits to genuine beneficiaries
under various schemes due to non-clearance in biometric verification and if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether any review made to resolve the issues, since many common people especially ladies and senior
citizens are affected as verification is not completed due to faint fingerprints and the verification
instrument having old version etc.; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI JITIN PRASADA)
(a) to (d): The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) issues Aadhaar, a 12-digit unique
identification number, to residents based on their biometric and demographic data.
Aadhaar serves as a digital identity for accessing various services through authentication carried out by
the respective organizations providing those services. As on date, about 142 crore Aadhaar numbers have
been issued and more than 13,000 crore authentications have been carried out by various organisations.
The Aadhaar Act mandates every organisation to inform the Aadhaar holder of alternative and viable
means of identification, and not deny any service to him for refusing or being unable to undergo Aadhaar
authentication.
UIDAI has institutional mechanisms to address the issues related to fingerprint-based biometric
authentication, which are often attributed to factors such as biometric lock, worn-out fingerprints due to
old age, or manual labour-intensive occupations.
To address these issues and facilitate easy identity verification, UIDAI offers multiple modes of
authentication, including:
● Demographic authentication
● One-Time Password (OTP) based authentication● Biometric authentication using face, fingerprint and iris
● QR code scanning (offline verification)
UIDAI often undertakes following initiatives to improve these modes of authentication:
● Training of operators
● Promotion of face and iris authentication for residents with worn fingerprints
● Regular updates of deployed devices and software
● Encouraging best finger detection by requesting organisations to enhance fingerprint match accuracy
In addition, UIDAI conducts workshops and media campaigns to raise awareness about:
● Availability and use of alternate modes of authentication
● Importance of periodic biometric updates by Aadhaar holders
UIDAI’s face authentication is especially beneficial for senior citizens and manual labourers who often face
challenges with fingerprint-based authentication.
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