The Reserve Bank of India has said that linking of bank accounts to bio-metric identity number Aadhaar is mandatory putting an end to the media speculation that linkage is voluntary.
In a press release, the central bank categorically stated that the requirement remained in force under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. “The Reserve Bank clarifies that, in applicable cases, linkage of Aadhaar number to bank account is mandatory under the Prevention of Money-laundering (Maintenance of Records) Second Amendment Rules, 2017,” it said in a statement.
The RBI also said that anti-money laundering rules announced in June 2017 have “statutory force” and banks have to implement them without awaiting further instructions.
The apex bank’s clarification came close on the heels of an RTI reply to Moneylife.in said that it has not issued any directive that makes it mandatory to link bank accounts with Aadhaar number.
Touted to be world’s largest bio-metric identity card programme, Aadhar scheme had triggered some claims that it is an infringement of privacy of citizens.
The RBI’s announcement sent micro blogging site twitter into a frenzy. While some tweeples welcomed the move, others slammed RBI’s statement dubbing it as government’s ‘obsession with gaining control’.
Here are some of the reactions:
This whole linking Aadhaar business points to an obsession with gaining control..susceptible to severe misuse and unhealthy for a democracy.
— Prathap Krishnan (@prathapkrishnan) October 21, 2017
#RBI is behaving like a confused girlfriend after failed love with #DeMonetisation
Linking Aadhaar— Mr. Dalit_ __ (@MrDalit) October 21, 2017
Linking Aadhar to Swiss Bank and Panama should also be made mandatory.
— Mohsin Khan (@mohsinnow) October 21, 2017
RBI Says Linking Aadhaar Number To Bank Accounts Mandatory – I agree with this dictat if we want to clean up https://t.co/aZcLigEj0w
— Kiran Mazumdar Shaw (@kiranshaw) October 21, 2017
#Linking Aadhaar
Sarcasm apart, we must part with information if we expect transparency of the govt.
However, govt. should ensure that the info doesn’t get stolen or misused.— Ashok Bhatia (@ashokbh26099468) October 21, 2017
My inbox gets filled wid “Linking Aadhaar” with mobile no,bank account.. Why don’t I get my Aadhar inscribed on my forehead ?? #Aadhaar
— Prashant Ranjan (@prashanjant) October 21, 2017
People oppose linking aadhar is just they can not add bogus bills in the name of their dog and cat. Shame on you.
— B Raju (@basavaraju24051) October 21, 2017
Linking #Aadhaar with #bankaccount is positive move & we must support it.Few with black money r against it.#Aadhar #AadhaarPush#AadharCard
— Jagrati Shukla (@JagratiShukla29) October 21, 2017
