In a significant move to strengthen the security and integrity of the Aadhaar ecosystem, Manipur has adopted one of the most stringent procedures in the country for issuing Aadhaar cards to adults. This development follows the guidelines set by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), according to an official statement released by the state government.
As per the notification issued by Commissioner (Home) N Ashok Kumar, every Aadhaar enrolment case involving an adult must undergo strict verification and can only be approved at the state headquarters level. The final approval lies with the office of the Special Secretary (Home), ensuring enhanced oversight and scrutiny.
The announcement followed a high-level meeting chaired by the Governor of Manipur at the Raj Bhavan, which focused on Aadhaar enrolment, upgradation, and service delivery mechanisms. Senior officials, including the Chief Secretary and representatives from UIDAI, the Home Department, Social Welfare, and Education Departments, participated in the discussions.
Highlighting the rigour of the system, a UIDAI official present at the meeting remarked that Manipur’s Aadhaar enrolment process for adults might be the most thorough in the country. “The extensive quality checks help prevent illegal foreigners from obtaining Aadhaar credentials, thereby safeguarding national security,” the statement noted.
To further enhance the reliability of Aadhaar data, Manipur is also enforcing two mandatory biometric updates—MBU-1 between the ages of 5 and 7, and MBU-2 after the age of 15. These updates, offered free of cost, are designed to ensure that both biometric and demographic information remains accurate and up-to-date.
“These mandatory updates are essential for maintaining the validity of Aadhaar records, minimizing the risk of identity misuse, and facilitating uninterrupted access to welfare schemes and financial services,” the statement emphasized.
The initiative reflects Manipur’s proactive approach in ensuring secure and authentic identity verification, aligning with the central government’s broader objectives of digital governance and national security.
