Alappuzha: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has removed several documents from the list required for new Aadhaar enrolment and for correcting existing details. PAN card, school leaving and transfer certificates, disability certificates, photo identity cards issued by government departments, family rights documents from the central government, and passbooks issued by public sector banks have been excluded.

Voter ID cards, ration cards containing a photo, driving licence, SSLC books with photographs, and passports will continue to be accepted.

However, the ration card, driving licence, Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) card and mark sheet have been removed from the list of accepted documents for those aged between 5 and 18.

A standard certificate issued by the District Social Welfare Officer has been introduced for Aadhaar enrolment and updates for disabled individuals above 18 years of age.

Certain changes have also been introduced in the renewal procedure. If the applicant has previously submitted a birth certificate, a corrected version containing the same Birth Registration Number (BRN) must now be produced.

If another document proving date of birth was used earlier—such as a mark sheet or passport—a corrected version of that document or a birth certificate must be provided.

The transgender identity card will be accepted for updates relating to gender change and full name change.

Objection from Aadhaar Service centres

Aadhaar service centres across the state have raised objections to the Authority’s decision to remove many documents from the approved list. A large number of people in Kerala do not necessarily possess all the documents that remain accepted. Earlier, they could apply for a new Aadhaar or make corrections using any of the documents now excluded. That option has been withdrawn.

Stephen John, state president of the Forum of Akshaya Centre Entrepreneurs (FACE), an organisation representing Akshaya entrepreneurs, said that removing the school certificate would be a setback for those without SSLC books.