The Cabinet has approved official amendments to the UIDAI Bill. The Bill seeks to provide statutory status to UIDAI and legal stature to the Aadhar number. The National Identification Authority of India Bill, 2010 will be brought for consideration and passage in the Rajya Sabha during the winter session. The Bill has been pending in the Upper House for over two years.
Government sources said the revised Bill has been slightly modified and includes most of the key suggestions made by the Parliamentary Standing Committee. For example, there will be special emphasis on privacy of data provided by individuals at the time of enrolment.
The UIDAI operates through an executive order. The new law seeks to create a National Identification Authority of India, which will oversee implementation of the Aadhaar project. It also seeks to define penalties in case of misuse of data collected under the project.