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Background Checks

EPFO Boosts UAN Activation With Aadhaar Face Authentication

In a significant step towards streamlining the experience for millions of Indian workers, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, has launched a pioneering initiative to make the UAN (Universal Account Number) generation and activation process both simpler and more secure. By integrating Aadhaar Face Authentication Technology (FAT) through the UMANG Mobile App, EPFO aims to empower employees directly, eliminating the need for intermediaries and addressing long-standing challenges.

Historically, the UAN system had been marred by issues such as incorrect or missing details, ranging from fathers’ names to mobile numbers, which often caused delays and confusion. Furthermore, the cumbersome process of UAN activation left many employees unable to access their EPFO services without additional intervention. The new Aadhaar FAT-based process marks a significant departure from this legacy. Not only does it promise to resolve these issues, but it also adds a layer of security through biometric verification, making it a truly digital solution for today’s tech-savvy workforce.

Simplifying UAN Generation And Activation For Employees

For employees, the process of obtaining and activating their Universal Account Number (UAN) has traditionally been cumbersome. Historically, UANs were generated by employers, who submitted employee details to EPFO. However, issues such as incorrect or missing information, like the father’s name, mobile numbers, and birth dates, were common, often causing delays in accessing EPFO services or submitting claims. In many cases, employees never even received their UAN or had trouble with activation due to mismatched or missing contact details.

In response, EPFO has introduced a transformative solution that directly empowers employees to generate and activate their UAN through the UMANG Mobile App, using Aadhaar Face Authentication Technology (FAT). This new process resolves many of the previous challenges and streamlines UAN management, giving employees a fully digital, hassle-free experience.

Key Benefits Of The Aadhaar Face Authentication-Based UAN Process

The adoption of Aadhaar Face Authentication offers several advantages for employees:

100% Aadhaar Validation: The UAN generation process ensures complete validation of employee details through biometric face recognition, guaranteeing that the information is accurate and securely linked to the individual’s Aadhaar profile.
Pre-Populated Employee Data: The system pulls all relevant employee data directly from the Aadhaar database, reducing the possibility of human error and eliminating the need for manual entry.
Instant UAN Activation: Once the UAN is generated through the process, it is automatically activated in the EPFO Member Portal. This immediate activation means employees can start using EPFO services right away.
No Employer Dependence: Employees no longer have to wait for employers to generate or activate their UAN. Instead, they can complete the process themselves and download their e-UAN card PDF directly from the app, cutting out unnecessary delays.
Unlocks EPFO Services: Upon successful activation, employees can immediately access a range of EPFO services, including passbook viewing, KYC updates, claim submissions, and more.

Step-by-Step Guide For Employees To Generate And Activate UAN

The process for employees to generate and activate their UAN using Aadhaar Face Authentication is straightforward. Follow these simple steps:

Download the UMANG App: Start by downloading the UMANG App from the Play Store and installing it on your phone.
Install AadhaarFaceRD App: Install the AadhaarFaceRD App, which is required for face authentication during the UAN generation process.
Open the UMANG App: Launch the UMANG App and navigate to the “UAN Allotment and Activation” section under UAN services, choosing Face Auth.
Enter Aadhaar and Mobile Details: Provide your Aadhaar number and the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar account. An OTP will be sent to this mobile number for validation.
Complete Face Authentication: After verifying the OTP, the app will prompt you to take a live photo. Ensure the image is captured correctly—the green outline will indicate that the photo has been successfully taken.
Receive UAN and Download e-UAN Card: Once the face authentication is successful, your UAN will be generated and sent to your mobile via SMS. You can then download your e-UAN card PDF from the UMANG App or the EPFO Member Portal. Your UAN will be auto-activated on the Member Portal, eliminating the need for additional steps.

Enhanced Security Through Biometric Authentication

One of the standout features of the new UAN generation and activation process is the incorporation of biometric authentication. Unlike traditional methods that rely on demographic information or OTP-based verification, Aadhaar Face Authentication ensures a higher level of security, making it nearly impossible for fraud or mistakes to slip through the cracks.

Biometric authentication, specifically through face recognition, offers a foolproof way of verifying an individual’s identity right from the point of entry into the EPFO system. This level of accuracy not only strengthens security but also provides an added layer of convenience for both employees and employers.

Why Face Authentication Is More Secure Than Traditional Methods

Traditional methods of verifying identity, such as demographic verification or OTP-based authentication, are prone to errors. For example, users might mistype their name or birthdate, or face delays in receiving OTPs, leading to frustration and unnecessary steps in the process.

With Face Authentication, the system directly matches the employee’s live photo against the Aadhaar database, ensuring that the right person is linked to the correct UAN. This method is much more secure because it uses unique biometric identifiers that cannot be replicated, ensuring that only the rightful individual can generate and activate their UAN. Additionally, the use of Aadhaar-linked mobile numbers adds another layer of verification, ensuring the data is consistent and tamper-proof.

Encouraging Employers To Adopt The New UAN Generation Process

While the new Aadhaar Face Authentication-based UAN generation system is designed to be employee-centric, employers also play a crucial role in ensuring its successful adoption. For many employees, particularly first-time jobholders, the process of generating and activating their UAN may seem unfamiliar or daunting. Here, employers can make a significant difference by encouraging and guiding their employees to use the new system.

Employers should consider promoting this direct method of UAN generation, helping employees understand the steps and benefits. By guiding employees through the process, employers can ensure that UANs are generated accurately and on time, eliminating the need for follow-up corrections. This proactive approach can significantly reduce the administrative burden on employers and speed up the onboarding process for new employees.

Additionally, employers should make it a point to educate their workforce about the advantages of self-service features that are now available through the EPFO Member Portal and the UMANG App. This can help employees take full advantage of EPFO services like passbook viewing, KYC updates, and claim submissions, streamlining their experience with EPFO.

EPFO’s Collaboration With My Bharat For Digital Life Certificates

In addition to the UAN generation process, EPFO is also expanding its digital services for pensioners. Through a collaboration with My Bharat, EPFO plans to promote the digital life certificate system known as Jeevan Pramaan, which will also leverage Face Authentication Technology.

This initiative aims to make life certificates available at the doorstep of pensioners, enabling them to authenticate their identity using biometric data, without the need for visiting EPFO offices. By extending the reach of digital services in this way, EPFO is ensuring that even pensioners who may face difficulties accessing physical offices can still benefit from timely and secure services.

The integration of Aadhaar Face Authentication into these services will provide an additional layer of security, ensuring that pensioners’ identities are verified accurately and promptly. This collaboration underscores EPFO’s commitment to improving accessibility and security for all members, regardless of their location or technical proficiency.

EPFO Simplifies Cash Withdrawals

Removal Of Cheque Leaf And Bank Passbook Upload Requirements

In this initiative aimed at reducing administrative bottlenecks, EPFO has also decided to completely remove the requirement for uploading images of cheque leaves or attested bank passbooks when filing online claims. For many EPF members, this step has been a source of delays and frustration due to the potential for poor-quality uploads, errors in document formatting, or even simple misunderstandings about what was required.

Historically, EPFO required these documents to verify the bank account details of members when they submitted claims. However, following the successful pilot of relaxing this requirement for KYC-updated members in May 2024, the policy has now been extended to all EPF members. This change is crucial as it eliminates one of the major reasons for claim rejections — poor-quality or unreadable uploads — thereby speeding up the process and reducing the volume of grievances related to documentation errors.

The UAN system, which links an employee’s bank account with their EPF account, already verifies the bank account holder’s name and account number at the time of account seeding. As a result, the need for additional documentation such as cheque leaf images or passbook attestation is now redundant.

By removing this additional step, EPFO aims to benefit an estimated 6 crore members, enabling faster, hassle-free claim settlements. With the elimination of this requirement, EPFO members will no longer face unnecessary delays in accessing their funds. This is particularly crucial for employees looking to withdraw or transfer their EPF balances in times of need, making the entire claims process more efficient and user-friendly.

Removal Of Employer Approval For Bank Account Seeding

EPFO has also introduced a key simplification to the process of seeding bank account details with the Universal Account Number (UAN), eliminating the need for employer approval after bank verification. This reform addresses one of the most time-consuming steps in the process of ensuring that an employee’s PF withdrawals are credited to their bank account.

Previously, after an employee submitted a request to seed their bank account with UAN, the employer was required to approve the verification, which added a layer of delay. On average, the bank verification took around 3 days, but the employer approval could take as long as 13 days, resulting in significant delays for members who were waiting for their PF balances to be credited to their accounts. This slow approval process created unnecessary backlogs and frustration for employees, especially for those who needed quick access to their funds.

To streamline this process, EPFO has now removed the employer approval step, making the seeding process faster and more efficient. This change will immediately benefit the 14.95 lakh members whose bank account verification requests were previously pending due to delays in employer approvals. With this reform, these members will now experience a much quicker resolution of their seeding requests.

In addition, the new system enables employees to update or change their bank account details linked to their UAN without needing employer intervention. The update process will be facilitated through Aadhaar OTP authentication, ensuring that the employee’s identity is securely verified. This makes the entire process more flexible, reducing dependency on employers and providing more control to the members over their account details.

EPFO Expands Partnerships With Banks

In another key development, EPFO has expanded its network of empanelled banks to 32, including 15 new public and private sector banks. This move enhances transaction efficiency, ensuring quicker and more seamless processing of EPF contributions and claims.

Previously, employers were limited to a smaller pool of banks when remitting EPF contributions. With the inclusion of these 15 additional banks, EPFO is now providing employers with a wider range of options to choose from, improving flexibility and reducing administrative friction. The total annual collections managed through these banks amount to nearly Rs. 12,000 crore, allowing for smoother and more direct contributions to EPF accounts.

Employees will no longer face delays in the bank account verification process when they seed their accounts with UAN, as these newly empanelled banks will now directly verify the bank details of employees. This ensures that members can access their EPF balances more quickly, without relying on third-party aggregators, which previously added delays to the process.

This reform will also reduce the time taken for EPF dues to be processed, allowing for quicker investment and increasing the potential returns on members’ savings. Previously, dues remitted through non-empanelled banks often took T+2 days for processing, whereas transactions with empanelled banks are now processed on a T+1 day basis. This improvement not only speeds up the process but also benefits EPFO by lowering operational costs related to name validation and reducing dependency on intermediary channels.

For employers, the expanded network provides greater convenience when dealing with EPF payments. The ability to interact directly with a broader set of banks to resolve payment issues or grievances will lead to a more efficient and transparent process.

By Abhinandan, 11 monthsApril 10, 2025 ago

Background Checks

Police Verification In Tamil Nadu

The Role Of Police Verification In Ensuring Safety And Compliance In Tamil Nadu

In Tamil Nadu, police verification is an important part in assessing individuals for various purposes, including employment, passport issuance, and rental agreements. This process is designed to ensure that individuals meet the necessary security standards set by authorities and provide safety assurance to employers, landlords, and the government.

Police verification in Tamil Nadu is mandated by law for several key activities to prevent any fraudulent or criminal intentions that might compromise personal or public safety. The verification process involves checking the individual’s criminal record with the local police station to ensure they have no outstanding legal issues or past criminal activities that would disqualify them from certain rights or services.

This is very important as a process, as it protects the community and reinforces the legal frameworks that promote a safe living environment. By verifying the background of its residents, Tamil Nadu maintains a high standard of safety and compliance, which is crucial for fostering trust and security within the society.

How Is Police Verification Conducted In Tamil Nadu?

The process of police verification in Tamil Nadu is a systematic procedure designed to ensure the authenticity of an individual’s background. Here’s how it typically unfolds:

Application Submission: Individuals in need of police verification must start by submitting a completed application form. This form is usually provided by the entity requiring the verification, such as employers for job candidates or the Regional Passport Office for passport applicants. The form requires personal details, addresses for the past few years, and the purpose of the verification.
Document Collection: Along with the application, individuals must submit various documents. These generally include proof of identity, proof of address, and potentially additional forms depending on the specific requirements, such as employment records or rental agreements.
Police Station Visit: Once the application and documents are submitted, the local police station processes the request. The verification might require the individual to visit the police station or, in some cases, a police officer may visit the individual’s current and/or previous addresses to verify the details provided.
Background Checks: The police conduct a thorough background check looking for any criminal records or ongoing cases that might be relevant. This includes checks against national criminal databases and interactions with other police departments if previous addresses are in different jurisdictions.
Report Generation: After completing the checks, the police station prepares a report that outlines the findings of the verification process. If no adverse findings are noted, a clearance report is issued to the individual or directly to the requesting entity.
Submission to Requesting Authority: The final verification report is submitted to the authority that requested the police verification. This could be an employer, passport office, or other governmental department.

This procedure ensures that all individuals undergoing police verification are thoroughly checked and deemed suitable for the activities for which they are being considered, such as employment, passport issuance, or tenancy agreements.

Significance Of Police Verification For Safety And Security

Police verification plays a crucial role in maintaining safety and security within Tamil Nadu. This process ensures that individuals entering sensitive or significant roles are properly vetted. Here’s why police verification is extremely crucial:

Enhancing Workplace Safety: By conducting police verification, employers can ensure that they hire individuals without a history of criminal activities. This is particularly important in sectors where employees have access to vulnerable populations, confidential information, or financial assets.
Preventing Fraud and Criminal Activities: Police verification helps in identifying individuals with a history of involvement in criminal activities, thereby preventing potential frauds or other crimes that could harm the community or the workplace.
Building Trust: For rental agreements, having a police-verified tenant assures landlords that the tenant has no legal impediments that might affect their tenancy. This builds a trust-based relationship between landlords and tenants.
Ensuring Reliable Tenant and Employment Backgrounds: For both landlords and employers, police verification provides a reliable means of checking an individual’s past residence and employment history, confirming that the information provided is accurate and truthful.
Compliance with Regulatory Requirements: In many cases, police verification is not merely an option but a regulatory requirement. For instance, positions that involve working with children, elderly, or sensitive data often legally require background checks to ensure the safety and integrity of these services.

This process, while it may seem cumbersome, provides a layer of security that benefits the entire community by ensuring that individuals in positions of responsibility are properly vetted and trustworthy.

Where Is Police Verification Mandatory And How Does It Protect Us?

Police verification is mandated by law in several scenarios across Tamil Nadu, reflecting its critical importance in safeguarding society and business environments. Here are some specific cases where it is obligatory and examples of its protective benefits:

Employment in Sensitive Sectors: Any job that involves working with children, such as teaching or childcare, requires a clean police record. Similarly, positions in security services, financial institutions, and healthcare that handle sensitive information, or vulnerable individuals also demand police verification. This ensures that those with a history of relevant criminal activities are responsibly screened out, thereby protecting the institution and the people it serves.
Tenant Screening: In urban areas like Chennai, Coimbatore, and other major cities in Tamil Nadu, landlords are increasingly insisting on police verification of tenants. This practice has helped in avoiding renting properties to individuals with criminal backgrounds, significantly reducing the risk of illegal activities that could disturb the peace and safety of residential areas.
Issuance of Official Documents: For official documents like passports or government-issued licenses, police verification is a prerequisite to confirm the applicant’s identity and criminal status. This step prevents fraudulent activities and ensures that such important documents are issued to rightful and law-abiding citizens.

By Siddharth, 11 monthsMarch 27, 2025 ago

Background Checks

Digital Signatures In Cryptography: All You Need To Know

In today’s post-COVID world, where digital transactions are the new normal, how do we know that a message or document hasn’t been tampered with? How can we be sure that the person sending it is who they claim to be? Digital signatures in cryptography offer a solution, providing the much-needed layer of security in our increasingly digital lives.

Imagine signing a contract or confirming a payment online. Like a handwritten signature, a digital signature authenticates the sender and ensures the content remains unchanged. But unlike traditional signatures, digital ones rely on clever cryptographic methods to keep things secure.

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at how digital signatures work, their key role in cryptography, and why they’ve become essential for anyone engaged in digital communication today.

What Is A Digital Signature?

A digital signature is essentially an electronic counterpart to the traditional handwritten signature. But while a handwritten signature offers a basic level of identification, a digital signature goes much further. It doesn’t just authenticate the identity of the sender—it also ensures the integrity of the message or document being sent.

In cryptographic terms, a digital signature is a mathematical scheme that uses a pair of keys: a private key and a public key. The private key is used by the sender to create the signature, while the public key is used by the recipient to verify its authenticity.

When someone signs a digital document, a cryptographic algorithm is used to create a unique hash of the message. This hash is then encrypted using the sender’s private key. The resulting encrypted hash is the digital signature. When the recipient gets the document, they can use the sender’s public key to decrypt the hash and compare it to a newly generated hash of the received message. If the two match, it proves that the message has not been tampered with and that it was indeed sent by the person claiming to have sent it.

This process offers several crucial benefits that traditional methods of authentication simply cannot provide. It ensures the authenticity of the sender, verifies the integrity of the message, and provides non-repudiation, meaning that the sender cannot deny having signed the message.

How Do Digital Signatures In Cryptography Work?

To understand the mechanics of digital signatures in Cryptography, it’s important to look at the cryptographic process behind them. At their core, digital signatures rely on public-key cryptography (also known as asymmetric cryptography). Here’s a simple breakdown of how the process unfolds:

Step 1: Creating the Signature

The sender begins by taking the original message or document and generating a hash (a fixed-length string of characters) of that content. The hash is created using a hash function, which turns the original data into a unique string of characters. This step ensures that even the smallest change to the message will result in a completely different hash.

Next, the sender encrypts this hash using their private key. The encryption of the hash with the private key results in the digital signature. This signature is then attached to the message or document being sent.

Step 2: Verifying the Signature

When the recipient receives the message or document, they can use the sender’s public key to decrypt the digital signature. Decrypting the signature reveals the original hash value that the sender created.

The recipient also generates the hash of the received message. If the decrypted hash matches the hash they just created, it proves that the message has not been altered since it was signed. Additionally, because the signature could only have been created with the sender’s private key, it verifies that the message was sent by the rightful sender.

The entire process ensures that the message is authentic and unaltered, providing a high level of confidence in the integrity of the communication.

Why Are Digital Signatures Essential?

In today’s digital times, security isn’t just a luxury – it’s a necessity. As more and more of our lives unfold online, ensuring the integrity of our communications becomes crucial. Digital signatures are at the heart of this protection, offering both security and confidence in an otherwise uncertain space. Here’s why they’ve become so indispensable:

1. Strengthening Security

In times when cyber threats are commonplace, protecting sensitive information is non-negotiable. Digital signatures provide an advanced level of protection, ensuring that any message or document remains unchanged and secure from the moment it’s sent until it reaches its destination. If a single character is altered, the signature will fail, making it almost impossible for bad actors to tamper with your data without detection.

2. Building Trust and Verifying Identity

We’ve all experienced the discomfort of receiving a message that feels off, perhaps an email from a bank or an offer from a vendor that seems suspicious. Digital signatures tackle this issue head-on by verifying the identity of the sender. It’s one thing to claim you are who you say you are; digital signatures make sure of it. They ensure that the recipient can trust the message, knowing it comes from the sender it purports to.

3. Ensuring Accountability

Perhaps one of the most important aspects of digital signatures is their ability to provide non-repudiation. In simple terms, this means that once a document is signed, the sender cannot deny having signed it. This is crucial in environments where legal or financial consequences are involved. No more worrying about someone claiming, “I didn’t sign that!” With digital signatures, the proof is right there, and it’s tamper-proof.

4. Enabling Faster, Smarter Transactions

Digital signatures not only protect your information but also speed up processes. Gone are the days of printing, signing, and scanning documents. Digital signatures allow for immediate, secure signing of contracts, agreements, and other essential documents. In industries like banking, healthcare, and e-commerce, where time is often of the essence, digital signatures help accelerate workflows while maintaining high levels of security.

To make this process even easier, SignDrive from AuthBridge offers a seamless solution for digital signatures, integrated directly into your workflow. With this tool, businesses can quickly and efficiently manage document signing without compromising on security. Whether it’s a contract, a payment authorisation, or a legal agreement, SignDrive ensures your documents are signed, sealed, and delivered with absolute confidence.

Applications Of Cryptographically Secure Digital Signatures

The versatility of digital signatures makes them invaluable across various industries and sectors. As businesses and organisations continue to digitalise their processes, the demand for secure, verifiable, and streamlined digital interactions is growing. Here are some key areas where digital signatures are making a significant impact:

1. Legal and Financial Sector

In legal and financial transactions, where every detail matters, the authenticity and integrity of documents are critical. Digital signatures ensure that contracts, agreements, and financial records are not only secure but also legally binding. They eliminate the need for time-consuming physical signatures and the risk of fraud, providing a faster, more reliable way to sign everything from business contracts to loan agreements.

2. E-commerce and Online Payments

With online shopping becoming the norm, ensuring that transactions are secure is key. Digital signatures help secure payment processes by authenticating the sender and ensuring that the payment details cannot be altered in transit. This guarantees that customers and businesses alike can transact safely, without the worry of fraud or identity theft.

3. Healthcare and Patient Records

In the healthcare sector, maintaining the confidentiality of patient information is critical. Digital signatures ensure that sensitive medical records, prescriptions, and patient documents are not tampered with during transmission. By using digital signatures, healthcare providers can quickly and securely sign and share patient information while also maintaining compliance with regulations like HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).

4. Government and Regulatory Compliance

Governments and regulatory bodies across the globe have adopted digital signatures to streamline processes and ensure compliance. Whether it’s signing tax returns, submitting regulatory filings, or approving official documents, digital signatures provide a secure and verifiable way to conduct official business. They also help improve efficiency by eliminating the need for physical paperwork, reducing delays, and preventing fraud.

5. Corporate and Business Operations

Corporations across industries are embracing digital signatures for everything from employee onboarding documents to vendor contracts. These signatures ensure that important business agreements are signed quickly and securely, helping businesses save time and money. With SignDrive, organisations can integrate digital signatures seamlessly into their workflows, ensuring smoother, faster, and more secure document signing without the hassle of traditional methods.

The Future Of Digital Signatures In Cryptography

As technology continues to evolve, so too does the importance of securing digital interactions. Digital signatures, once a niche solution, are now becoming essential across nearly every industry. As we look ahead, the role of digital signatures is only set to grow, driven by increasing demands for both security and efficiency.

Today, when data breaches and cyberattacks are a constant concern, digital signatures offer a reliable way to authenticate and protect sensitive information. Furthermore, with the rise of blockchain technology and smart contracts, the potential for digital signatures to streamline business operations and enhance security is immense. These advancements will likely make digital signatures even more integral to day-to-day transactions, especially in sectors like finance, real estate, and government.

One of the driving forces behind this growth is the move towards paperless environments. As businesses and governments continue to shift to digital-only operations, tools like SignDrive are enabling companies to stay ahead of the curve. Offering an easy, secure, and efficient solution for digitally signing documents, SignDrive ensures businesses can operate faster, with more confidence, and without the risks associated with traditional paper-based signatures.

Conclusion

Digital signatures are not just a technological trend—they are a vital component of secure, efficient, and trustworthy digital communication. Whether in legal contracts, financial transactions, or healthcare, their role in safeguarding sensitive data and verifying authenticity cannot be overstated. As businesses move towards paperless operations, solutions like SignDrive provide a seamless, reliable way to ensure that digital documents are signed with the utmost security.

For organisations looking to streamline their processes, reduce risks, and ensure compliance, embracing digital signatures is the way forward.

By Abhinandan, 11 monthsMarch 19, 2025 ago

Need-for-Background-Verification-in-India’s-Global-Capability-Centers-blog-image

Digital Check

Need For Background Verification In India’s GCCs

Introduction

Global Capability Centers (GCCs) in India have become instrumental in driving innovation and operational excellence. These centers, originally known as captive centres, serve as offshore hubs that manage and process a wide range of services for their parent companies. According to recent studies, over 80% of GCCs in India are now prioritizing investment in digital and automation technologies to boost productivity and innovation. As GCCs increasingly handle sensitive and critical operations, the need for robust background verification (BGV) practices has become paramount to ensure that the workforce managing these centers is reliable and trustworthy.

What Are Global Capability Centres (GCCs)?

Global Capability Centres (GCCs) are becoming crucial to how multinational companies (MNCs) operate today. GCCs are centres set up by companies to centralise some of their most important functions, like IT, finance, human resources, customer support, and research and development. Rather than managing these functions in multiple locations, businesses bring them together under one roof, making everything more efficient and easier to manage.

India, in particular, has seen an explosion in the number of GCCs. India’s Global Capability Centers (GCCs) are projected to reach a market size of USD 105 billion by 2030, up from USD 64.6 billion in revenue in fiscal 2024, according to a report by Nasscom and Zinnov.

Thanks to India’s well-educated, skilled workforce and cost-effective business environment, cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai have become hotspots for these centres. The talent pool here is diverse, offering expertise in everything from technology and finance to customer service and logistics. This makes India an attractive choice for companies that want to get the best of both worlds—quality and value.

However, these centres aren’t just about reducing costs; they’re also about innovation. Companies are no longer just looking for cheaper alternatives to their in-house operations. They want to tap into cutting-edge research and development, improve customer service, and stay ahead of the competition. That’s why we’re seeing more and more companies set up GCCs that focus on things like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and data analytics—areas that are transforming industries worldwide.

The Role Of GCCs In India's Corporate Sector

Global Capability Centers in India have become a cornerstone of the corporate strategy for many multinational corporations. Originally established to leverage cost advantages, GCCs have evolved into hubs of expertise and innovation. As per the India Brand Equity Foundation, India hosts over 1,750 GCCs employing more than 1.3 million individuals directly. These centers are not just outsourcing facilities; they are integrated parts of their parent companies, deeply involved in core business functions such as R&D, digital transformation, and corporate planning.

This profound involvement in critical business areas makes the integrity and reliability of the workforce a top priority. Background verifications (BGVs) play a critical role in ensuring that the personnel employed in these centers uphold the highest standards of security and professional conduct.

Mitigating Risks And Ensuring Security

Today, data breaches, fraud, and internal theft are a serious threat. GCCs, being central to a company’s operations, store vast amounts of sensitive information. Ensuring that employees have a clean background reduces the risk of malicious intent or negligence that could potentially compromise data security. Without thorough BGV, businesses leave themselves vulnerable to internal threats, whether it’s a deliberate act of fraud or inadvertent data mishandling.

Also, a customer’s trust can be easily eroded if there are signs that their data has been mishandled or that an employee with a questionable background has access to sensitive information. Conducting proper background checks ensures that only qualified, trustworthy individuals are allowed access to key sensitive systems, which in turn maintains the integrity of customer relationships.

The Growing Need For Background Verification in GCCs

As GCCs handle sensitive information and critical operations, the need for comprehensive background checks becomes more pronounced. The scope of BGV in GCCs extends beyond mere employment history checks. It encompasses educational qualifications, criminal records, credit history, and more. For instance, reports highlight the need for stringent BGV as GCCs often deal with financial data, intellectual property, and other sensitive corporate information that require utmost discretion and integrity.

Furthermore, the rise of remote working models, especially accentuated by the pandemic, has introduced new challenges in employee verification processes. These challenges underline the necessity for GCCs to implement more robust, technology-driven BGV solutions that can effectively vet employees across geographical boundaries.

List Of Checks Required In GCC Operations

To ensure thorough background verification and protect the interests of the business, GCCs must implement a range of BGV services tailored to meet the specific needs of their operations. Here’s a look at the various services that should be part of a comprehensive BGV strategy for GCCs:

1. Criminal History Check: Verifies if the candidate has any criminal records in the countries where they have lived or worked.
2. Education Verification: Confirms the authenticity of educational credentials and qualifications stated by the candidate.
3. Employment History Verification: Employment history checks are critical for verifying the work experience and qualifications of new hires. This service helps to confirm the positions held, the duration of employment, and whether the candidate has the relevant experience for the job. Given that many roles within GCCs require specialised skills, it is vital to ensure that the employee has previously demonstrated the abilities they claim to have.
4. Social Media Screening: Analyzes the candidate’s online behaviour and presence to identify any potential red flags or behaviour that could harm the company’s reputation.
5. Dual Employment Check: Ensures that the candidate is not currently employed in another job that could conflict with their role at the GCC, which is crucial for roles requiring full-time availability or where conflicts of interest could arise.
6. Professional Reference Check: Reference checks are an effective way to assess a candidate’s previous performance, work ethic, and overall character. By contacting past employers or colleagues, GCCs can gain valuable insights into the candidate’s professional abilities, their attitude towards work, and how they collaborate in team environments. These checks help ensure that the candidate’s claims align with the feedback provided by those who have worked with them.
7. Credit History Check: Assesses the candidate’s financial integrity and responsibility, especially important for roles involving financial duties.
8. Identity Verification: The first step in background verification is confirming that the person is who they say they are. Identity verification involves checking documents such as passports, driving licences, and national identification cards to ensure that the candidate’s details match those provided during the hiring process. This step is a must in preventing fraudulent hires and ensuring the legitimacy of employees working at the GCC.
9. Leadership Due Diligence:
  Critical for high-level roles, this check ensures candidates meet leadership standards and align with company values, crucial for guiding GCCs effectively.
10. Drug Testing: Ensures the candidate does not use illegal drugs, crucial for maintaining workplace safety and compliance.
11. Global Sanctions and Watchlist Check: For businesses with international operations, it is crucial to ensure that employees or potential hires are not listed on global sanctions or watchlists. Screening candidates against global databases can help identify individuals or entities involved in illegal activities or associated with terrorism, money laundering, or other financial crimes. This screening is essential to ensure compliance with international regulations and to protect the business from reputational and legal risks.
12. Continuous Monitoring: BGV doesn’t end after the hiring process. Continuous monitoring is becoming increasingly popular in industries where employee behaviour or access to sensitive data needs to be regularly evaluated. This could involve periodic checks to track any changes in criminal records, credit scores, or employment history that may affect the employee’s standing in the organisation. Continuous monitoring helps maintain a secure and trustworthy environment, especially in high-risk sectors.

Technological Innovations In BGV For GCCs

The landscape of background verifications is continually evolving, driven by technological advancements. For GCCs in India, the integration of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain technologies has revolutionized how BGVs are conducted. These technologies enable faster, more accurate checks and enhance data security during the verification process.

For example, AI based API’s used by AuthBridge can rapidly analyze millions of data to verify educational backgrounds and previous employment records instantly, significantly reducing the time required for manual checks. Blockchain, on the other hand, provides a secure and immutable ledger, ensuring that the data used in background checks is authentic and unaltered.

Challenges And Solutions In Implementing Effective BGV

Despite the advancements, GCCs face several challenges in implementing effective BGV practices. One of the primary challenges is the diverse regulatory environment across different countries, which can complicate the process of conducting international background checks. Additionally, the varying quality of data sources, especially in countries with less digital infrastructure, can affect the accuracy of background verifications.

To overcome these challenges, GCCs are increasingly partnering with specialized BGV firms like AuthBridge that offer customized solutions tailored to the regulatory and operational nuances of different regions. These firms utilize a combination of local expertise and global technology platforms to deliver comprehensive and compliant background verification services.

Why Thorough Background Verification (BGV) Is Essential For GCCs

Security and Integrity: Ensures employees managing sensitive operations do not have criminal histories, protecting the organization’s critical data.
Compliance with Regulations: Background checks help GCCs meet international regulatory standards, avoiding legal complications and fines.
Quality and Efficiency: Verified backgrounds contribute to higher performance levels, enhancing productivity across strategic functions.
Cultural Alignment and Reduced Turnover: Proper verification aligns employee values with company culture, reducing turnover and associated costs.
Reputation Management: Prevents potential misconduct that could harm the company’s reputation, ensuring integrity across operations.
Global Workforce Compliance: Ensures a legally compliant and standardized workforce across diverse geographical locations.

Future Outlook And Strategic Importance Of BGV In GCCs

As GCCs continue to grow and take on more strategic functions within their parent companies, the role of BGV will become even more critical. The future of BGV in GCCs will likely see more integration of predictive analytics and smarter AI solutions that can preemptively identify potential risks associated with certain hires or roles.

Strategically, BGV is moving from a routine HR process to a critical component of corporate governance and risk management in GCCs. This shift underscores the need for GCCs to continuously innovate and adapt their BGV strategies to stay ahead of potential security risks and ensure operational integrity.

By Siddharth, 11 monthsMarch 19, 2025 ago

Background Checks

AuthBridge’s Year In Review 2024: Key Highlights

As we step into 2025, it’s the perfect moment for us to reflect on 2024—a year of transformative growth, innovation, and progress for AuthBridge. From achieving remarkable milestones to unveiling new initiatives, 2024 was an important chapter in our journey of building trust through technology. Here’s a look back at the highlights that shaped our year.

19 Years Of Trust

In August 2024, we proudly celebrated 19 years of redefining trust in identity verification and risk management. This milestone solidifies our unwavering commitment to empowering businesses with reliable, secure, tech-driven solutions. Over the years, AuthBridge has not only set industry benchmarks but also become synonymous with quality and innovation.

Expanding Our Digital Presence

Crossing 100,000 Followers on LinkedIn

This year marked a proud milestone for AuthBridge as our LinkedIn community surpassed 100,000 followers, solidifying our standing as thought leaders in the industry. Through consistent sharing of insights, case studies, and innovations, we have cultivated a community of professionals who value trusted expertise. If you haven’t checked us out on LinkedIn yet, click on this link and join our ever-growing community.

Expanding On New Social Media Platforms

In 2024, AuthBridge went live on the popular social media platform: Instagram, engaging with a new audience. We also saw growth on our YouTube channel, with new product videos and insightful webinars. These platforms allow us to connect meaningfully, delivering value through diverse content formats like videos, reels, and in-depth guides.
You can click on this link to follow us on Instagram and also subscribe to our YouTube channel by clicking on this link here.

Pursuing Perfection With Continuous Product Innovations

Innovation remained at the heart of AuthBridge in 2024, with our talented Product team at the core of adding significant and much-needed enhancements across our products. Here is a small recap of some of the key updates that a few of our products received in 2024:

SignDrive: Introduced auto-signing capabilities and vernacular language support, making e-signatures accessible and seamless.
iBridge: Added real-time insufficiency tracking and DigiLocker integration, cutting verification TAT dramatically.
OnboardX: Introduced high-risk vendor watchlists and dynamic dashboards, enabling smarter and more secure vendor management.
TruthScreen: Enhanced verification processes with advanced Mega PAN features and faster OCR technology, setting new benchmarks in speed and accuracy.

Annual Trend Report 2024: Exclusive Industry Insights

We released our much-anticipated Annual Trend Report 2024 which delivered data-driven insights from over 20 million verifications. Key findings from the ATR included:

44% Surge in Employment Discrepancies: Highlighting the critical need for robust background checks.
Sector-Specific Challenges: Verification discrepancies peaked in the telecom, BFSI, and pharma sectors.
Gig Economy Risks: Several gig workers with wrong credentials were flagged for moonlighting, emphasising the importance of stringent screening.

The report also explored AI’s significant impact on verification, reaffirming our commitment to equipping businesses with actionable, forward-looking insights. To get all the details and insights around our findings, download the ATR by clicking on this link here.

AuthBridge In The Spotlight

In 2024, our CEO Ajay Trehan and AuthBridge were featured in leading publications in the country like The Economic Times, Business Standard, and Mint. These features showcased:

AI-driven innovations in banking and financial services.
Breakthroughs in frictionless onboarding and gig worker verification.
The growing importance of robust employee screening across industries.

These recognitions amplified our industry influence and are a testimonial to the confirmation of our dedication to addressing emerging and critical business challenges.

What To Expect In 2025?

As we embrace 2025, our commitment remains unwavering: leveraging cutting-edge technology to redefine trust solutions. From enhancing customer experiences to addressing evolving business risks, we are poised to continue setting new benchmarks in the industry.

With your trust and partnership, we are excited to explore new opportunities and make 2025 a year of even greater impact. Thank you for being a part of our journey and for your unwavering support so far. Stay connected with us to discover the exciting innovations and updates AuthBridge has in store for 2025!

By Abhinandan, 1 yearJanuary 3, 2025 ago

Background Checks

₹1435 Crore PAN 2.0 Project Approved By Government: Key Details

The Permanent Account Number (PAN) cards have long been a pillar of India’s financial and tax systems. Whether you’re filing taxes, opening a bank account, or conducting business, the PAN card plays a very important role. On November 25, 2024, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the PAN 2.0 Project, an ambitious upgrade to the existing PAN card system, with a budget allocation of ₹1,435 crore.

The new PAN 2.0 aims to transform the system with enhanced technology, faster services, and improved security. A significant upgrade in the form of an embedded QR code will allow for instant access to PAN details. The revamped PAN will also function as a universal identifier across various government platforms, streamlining interactions and reducing administrative complexities for individuals and businesses alike.

What’s even better? Existing PAN cardholders—around 78 crore individuals—will automatically be upgraded at no extra cost. There’s no need for reapplications. PAN 2.0 is designed to save time, reduce paperwork, and make the system more efficient for everyone, from individual taxpayers to small business owners.

Let’s explore the new features of PAN 2.0 and understand why it matters for both individuals and businesses.

Key Features Of PAN 2.0

PAN 2.0 is not just a simple upgrade; it’s a complete overhaul of how individuals and businesses interact with the tax and compliance systems. Here are the standout features of the revamped PAN system:

1. A QR Code For Smarter Identification

One of the most important upgrades is the addition of a QR code on every PAN card. This will allow for quicker, more accurate verification of PAN details, both for individuals and businesses. As the official press release on PAN 2.0 by the Government states, “The inclusion of a QR code will help verify PAN details in a more seamless and instant manner, making processes quicker and more efficient for businesses and individuals alike.”

2. Universal Business Identifier

A key shift with PAN 2.0 is that PAN will now serve as a universal identifier across government platforms. This means that PAN will no longer be just a tax-related identifier but will also function as a common ID for various government services. The government’s goal is to make PAN the “common identifier for all digital systems of specified government agencies.” This will reduce administrative hurdles, making transactions faster and more efficient for businesses.

3. Faster And Paperless Processes

In keeping with India’s push for Digital India, PAN 2.0 promises faster, paperless processes. As the press release highlights, “This project aims to create eco-friendly processes and cost optimisation,” which includes moving services entirely online, reducing paperwork, and speeding up processing times. This shift will result in significant time savings for both individuals and businesses.

4. Enhanced Security Features

With digital transactions on the rise, security is paramount. PAN 2.0 introduces enhanced data protection measures, including a PAN Data Vault to securely store sensitive user information. The government’s official release notes, “PAN 2.0 will enhance India’s digital infrastructure, ensuring better security, reduced fraud, and more secure verification.”

5. Cost-effective And Eco-Friendly

The digital-first approach of PAN 2.0 isn’t just about convenience—it’s also about sustainability. By reducing the reliance on physical documents, PAN 2.0 aligns with the government’s broader goals of cost reduction and environmental sustainability. The move to paperless processes will result in both cost savings for the government and businesses, as well as a reduction in environmental impact.

6. Grievance Redressal System

To improve user experience and transparency, PAN 2.0 will feature an enhanced grievance redressal system. As the press release affirms, “A new grievance redressal system will enhance transparency and ensure faster resolution of taxpayer concerns.” This feature aims to ensure that users’ issues are addressed promptly, improving overall service delivery.

7. Automatic Upgrade For Existing Holders

Perhaps the most user-friendly feature of PAN 2.0 is the automatic upgrade for existing cardholders. As confirmed by the press release, “Existing PAN holders won’t need to take any additional action—everything will be updated without extra charges.” This seamless transition eliminates the need for reapplication or paperwork, making the process hassle-free for millions of users.

Benefits Of PAN 2.0 For Individuals And Businesses

The PAN 2.0 upgrade brings numerous benefits, both for individuals and businesses, by enhancing speed, security, and overall efficiency. Let’s break down the advantages for each group.

For Individuals

Effortless Transition
The upgrade to PAN 2.0 will happen automatically, at no extra cost. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated, “There is no need to apply for a new PAN card. The upgrade will be integrated seamlessly, making life easier for all.” This means individuals don’t need to worry about any disruptions or costs—everything will be handled automatically.
Enhanced Speed and Convenience
With the new QR codes, accessing and verifying PAN details becomes much faster. Whether you’re filing taxes or applying for a loan, the verification process will be instant, saving you time and hassle.
Robust Security
PAN 2.0’s advanced security features, including the PAN Data Vault, will ensure that your personal and financial information is protected from fraud and misuse. As the press release mentions, this upgrade will enhance “India’s digital infrastructure,” ensuring that all PAN-related data remains safe.
Eco-Friendly Processes
With a move to paperless transactions, PAN 2.0 will contribute to environmental sustainability. The government’s focus on “eco-friendly processes and cost optimisation” makes PAN 2.0 a forward-thinking solution that benefits both individuals and the environment.
Better Support for Taxpayers
The dedicated grievance redressal system will ensure that individuals’ concerns are addressed quickly and effectively. The improved system will help build greater trust in the government’s ability to deliver services efficiently and transparently.

For Businesses

Unified Identification System
PAN 2.0 transforms the Permanent Account Number into a universal identifier for businesses, streamlining interactions with government agencies. As the government noted, this system “consolidates core and non-core PAN/TAN activities,” making it easier for businesses to manage compliance.
Faster Registrations
The overhaul of the taxpayer and TAN registration processes will speed up business operations. Businesses can now complete these processes quickly, without the delays associated with paper-based systems. “Ease of access and speedy service delivery” is one of the key goals of PAN 2.0, which will benefit businesses by reducing administrative burdens.
Improved Data Consistency
With PAN 2.0, businesses will benefit from a “single source of truth” across all government platforms. This ensures greater consistency and accuracy, reducing errors and discrepancies in data.
Cost and Time Savings
The digital transition will help businesses save on both time and resources. By eliminating paper-based processes and embracing a fully digital system, businesses can streamline their operations and focus on growth.
Support for Start-Ups and SMEs
Start-ups and small businesses, which often face regulatory challenges, will find PAN 2.0 particularly beneficial. By simplifying compliance processes and reducing bureaucratic hurdles, PAN 2.0 provides a more business-friendly environment.

Conclusion

The launch of PAN 2.0 marks a significant milestone in India’s push toward smarter financial governance. With its enhanced features like QR codes, improved security, and a digital-first approach, PAN 2.0 is set to transform the way individuals and businesses interact with the government’s financial systems. The upgrade aims to create “eco-friendly processes and cost optimisation,” while aligning with the broader goals of Digital India.

For businesses, PAN 2.0 introduces the added benefit of functioning as a universal business identifier, reducing compliance challenges and streamlining operations.

For individuals, the seamless transition to the new system will save time and eliminate unnecessary paperwork. Best of all, existing PAN holders won’t need to take any action to benefit from these upgrades—they will be automatically integrated at no additional cost.

As these changes roll out, the importance of accurate and reliable PAN verification will only grow. That’s where AuthBridge comes in. Our PAN Card Verification service provides real-time validation, allowing businesses to integrate PAN checks seamlessly into their compliance processes. With cutting-edge technology, AuthBridge helps reduce manual errors, save time, and build trust in your operations.

FAQs Around PAN 2.0 Answered

What is the PAN 2.0 project?

The PAN 2.0 Project aims to modernise and digitise the taxpayer registration system with the rollout of Digital PAN and TAN services. A total of ₹1,435 crore has been allocated for the project.

How to check PAN aadhaar link status?

To check your Aadhaar-PAN linkage status, follow these steps:

On the e-Filing Portal homepage, navigate to the “Quick Links” section and click on “Link Aadhaar Status.”
Enter your PAN and Aadhaar numbers, then click “View Link Aadhaar Status.”

Once validated, your Aadhaar-PAN linkage status will be displayed.

Does a PAN card have a QR code?

Yes, the new version of the PAN card, issued by the Income Tax Department of India, includes a QR code. This code contains the cardholder’s details, which can be scanned for quick verification and to reduce the risk of fraud.

How much has the government allocated for the PAN 2.0 project?

The government has allocated ₹1,435 crore for the PAN 2.0 project, as per the official announcement.

What is the main objective of the PAN 2.0 project?

The main objective of the PAN 2.0 project is to digitise the taxpayer registration process, enhance the security of PAN and TAN issuance, and ensure better integration with other government databases like Aadhaar.

What are Digital PAN and TAN services?

Digital PAN and TAN services refer to the online issuance and management of PAN (Permanent Account Number) and TAN (Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number) in a secure, digital format, reducing manual intervention and paperwork.

How will this project benefit the government?

The project will improve tax administration, reduce the chances of tax evasion, and make the process of linking PAN with other databases like Aadhaar more seamless.

How can taxpayers check their PAN status or link Aadhaar under this new system?

Taxpayers can check their PAN status or link Aadhaar through the official e-Filing portal.

By Abhinandan, 1 yearNovember 26, 2024 ago

Background Checks

What Is Bank Account Verification? All You Need To Know

Are you struggling with verifying bank accounts quickly and securely for your business? In today’s tech-savvy age, ensuring that your clients’ bank accounts are legitimate and safe is more important than ever. This blog will tell you through everything you need to know about bank account verification.

What Is Bank Account Verification?

Every time a payment is made or received, there’s a silent but important step happening in the background: Verifying the Bank Account. This process, known as Bank Account Verification, ensures that the account exists, belongs to the right person or business, and is active for transactions. It’s an essential entity in today’s world of finance, particularly in India, where the stakes for accuracy and security are high.

Whether it’s a business onboarding a new vendor, an organisation processing payroll, or an individual enrolling for a government benefit, verifying bank account details protects against fraud, errors, and compliance issues. In India, regulatory frameworks like KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) make this verification process mandatory for many financial activities, highlighting its importance.

This blog takes a closer look at what bank account verification means in India, the methods used, and how it benefits both individuals and businesses. By understanding the process, you can make better decisions about implementing effective verification systems in your financial dealings.

Why Bank Account Verification Is Important In India

Bank account verification plays an extremely important role in ensuring secure and reliable financial transactions. In India, where the digital economy is growing alongside a diverse population relying on financial services, the risks of fraud, erroneous payments, and regulatory violations are growing at an exponential rate. Here’s why Bank Account Verification becomes important:

1. Fraud Prevention

India has seen a steady rise in financial fraud cases, ranging from unauthorised transactions to identity theft. Bank account verification acts as the first line of defence, confirming that an account belongs to the person or organisation claiming ownership, and reducing the chances of fraudulent activities.

2. Compliance With Regulatory Requirements

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) mandates stringent adherence to KYC and AML guidelines for banks and businesses. Verifying a bank account ensures that institutions comply with these norms by validating the identity of account holders. Non-compliance can result in hefty fines or legal obstacles, making verification a necessity for businesses handling payments or onboarding customers.

3. Ensuring Transaction Accuracy

Even minor errors in bank account details can lead to failed transactions or funds being transferred to the wrong account. This not only frustrates customers but can also damage a business’s reputation. Verification eliminates such risks by validating details such as the account number, IFSC code, and account holder’s name before processing payments.

4. Protecting Consumers and Building Trust

By implementing robust account verification processes, businesses can reassure their customers about the safety of their funds, fostering trust and loyalty in the long run.

5. Supporting Government and Financial Inclusion Initiatives

Government programmes like Jan Dhan Yojana and subsidies under Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) rely heavily on accurate bank account verification to ensure that benefits reach the right recipients. Verification not only prevents misuse but also supports India’s push towards financial inclusion by enabling error-free transactions for underserved populations.

How Bank Account Verification Works In India

Bank account verification in India might sound like a technical process, but it’s essentially about checking that the bank account details someone gives you are correct and belong to them. Whether you’re a business trying to pay a vendor or an organisation processing salaries, this step ensures money goes where it’s meant to.

Let’s break down how it typically works and the methods used.

Step 1: Collecting the Bank Account Details

The first step is simple: gather the account details. This usually means:

The account holder’s name.
The account number.
The bank’s name and branch.
The IFSC code (that’s like the address for a bank branch).

For businesses or organisations, sometimes additional paperwork is needed, like a GST certificate or a PAN card.

Step 2: Verifying the Details

Now comes the actual verification part. There are a few ways this is done in India, ranging from old-school methods to cutting-edge tech.

1. Penny Drop (Micro-Deposit)

This is a straightforward method where a small amount—usually ₹1—is sent to the account. Once the money is received, the account holder confirms it by checking their bank statement or SMS alerts. If the details match, the account is verified.

Why it works: It’s simple and effective for confirming an account exists.
The downside: It can take a day or two, which might feel slow if you’re in a hurry.

2. Bank Statements

Another way is to ask for a copy of the account’s bank statement. It’s checked to see if the account holder’s name matches the details they’ve provided. This method is often used for compliance or when handling big transactions.

Why it works: It’s easy to understand and trusted for things like KYC.
The downside: There’s a risk of fake or altered statements, and customers might feel uncomfortable sharing this information.

3. Instant Verification via APIs

For those who want things done quickly, technology has the answer. Many businesses now use APIs (Application Programming Interface) that connect directly to the bank. The API checks the account details—like the name, number, and IFSC code—in seconds.

Why it works: It’s fast, accurate, and works great for businesses with lots of transactions.
The downside: It needs technical integration, which might not suit smaller businesses.

4. Aadhaar-Based Verification

In India, Aadhaar has become a key part of financial systems. If someone’s bank account is linked to their Aadhaar number, this can be used for quick verification. It’s particularly handy for government schemes or subsidies.

Why it works: It’s highly secure and perfect for individual accounts.
The downside: It only works for accounts linked to Aadhaar and comes with privacy considerations.

Step 3: Getting the Results

Once the verification is done, you get a clear result:

If everything checks out, great! You’re good to proceed with transactions.
If there’s an issue, like a mismatch in details, you’ll need to fix it before moving forward.

The results are often logged for future reference, which helps businesses stay compliant with KYC and AML regulations.

How Long Does It Take?

How long you’ll wait depends on the method:

Manual checks (like bank statements or penny drop): These might take a day or two.
Digital methods (like APIs or Aadhaar): These can give results in seconds or minutes.

Challenges And Limitations Of Bank Account Verification In India

While bank account verification is essential for secure and reliable transactions, it’s not without its challenges. In a country as vast and diverse as India, factors like varying levels of technology adoption, regulatory hurdles, and human errors can create obstacles. Here are some common challenges and limitations businesses and individuals face during the verification process:

1. Manual Processes Can Be Slow

Even today, many businesses and financial institutions rely on manual methods such as bank statements or penny-drop verification. While these methods are straightforward, they can be time-consuming. For instance, penny drop verification might take a day or two, while manually reviewing a bank statement can add to the delay, especially when dealing with large volumes of accounts.

2. Risk of Errors in Manual Input

Mistakes in entering details—like a wrong account number or IFSC code—can lead to failed verifications. In some cases, these errors might even cause funds to be sent to the wrong account. While digital methods can reduce such errors, manual input remains a challenge for many smaller businesses and individuals.

3. Limited Access to Digital Tools

Though digital verification methods like APIs are becoming more popular, their adoption is still limited in rural areas or by smaller organisations that may not have the resources for advanced systems. The cost of integrating these tools can also be a barrier for startups or businesses with tight budgets.

4. Privacy Concerns

Asking customers to share sensitive information like bank statements or Aadhaar details can raise privacy concerns. Not everyone is comfortable handing over such documents, even if it’s for verification purposes. Businesses need to ensure they handle data securely to maintain trust.

5. Regulatory Compliance Challenges

India’s regulatory framework for banking and financial transactions is stringent, and rightly so. However, staying compliant with KYC and AML guidelines can sometimes be complex. For example, verifying accounts linked to Aadhaar requires strict adherence to privacy and data protection norms, which can be overwhelming for businesses without dedicated compliance teams.

6. Vulnerability to Forged Documents

When bank statements or other documents are used for verification, there’s always a risk of forgery. This method relies heavily on manual checks, making it easier for fraudulent actors to exploit loopholes.

7. Dependence on Banking Infrastructure

Verification processes are closely tied to banking systems, and any downtime or system issues at the bank’s end can disrupt verifications. For example, during high-demand periods like tax season or festive bonuses, banking systems may face delays, impacting verification timelines.

8. Customer Friction

Some verification methods, especially those that require customers to provide extra documents or input small deposit amounts manually, can feel tedious. This added friction might deter some customers, leading to drop-offs during onboarding.

Bank Verification Challenge Solutions

While these challenges are real, many businesses in India are finding ways to overcome them by adopting a mix of traditional and modern approaches:

Leveraging APIs for real-time verification where possible.
Partnering with fintech providers that specialise in verification.
Investing in secure data handling practices to build customer trust.
Providing clear communication about the verification process to reduce friction.

Benefits Of Bank Account Verification In India

When you think about bank account verification, it might seem like just another administrative task. But in reality, it’s much more than that—it’s a vital process that keeps the wheels of India’s financial systems turning smoothly. Whether you’re a business owner, a consumer, or even part of a government programme, verifying bank accounts offers a host of tangible benefits. Let’s explore why this process matters in the real world.

1. Fighting Fraud in a Practical Way

Imagine running a business and accidentally sending payments to fake accounts. It’s not just about losing money; it’s also about the damage to your reputation. India, with its growing digital economy, sees its share of scams, from identity theft to fake vendor setups. By verifying accounts, you’re not only making sure the person or organisation is who they claim to be but also protecting your hard-earned money.

Take the example of online marketplaces in India. Platforms like Flipkart and Amazon verify seller accounts to ensure legitimacy. This isn’t just about compliance; it’s about creating a trustworthy ecosystem where consumers feel secure.

2. Getting It Right, Every Time

It might sound obvious, but getting the details right is crucial. A single incorrect digit in an account number can send funds to the wrong person—or worse, make the payment fail. Verification acts as a safety net. It double-checks the details before money moves, saving you the hassle of tracking down errors later.

For small businesses, where cash flow is king, avoiding such hiccups can make or break relationships with vendors and employees. After all, who wants to hear, “Sorry, the payment bounced”?

3. Building Trust with Your Customers

Trust is the currency of any successful business. When you take steps to ensure your customers’ financial details are handled securely, it shows you care about their safety. This can be a game-changer, especially in India’s rapidly growing fintech and e-commerce sectors.

Think of the various UPI apps in India. Their seamless experience isn’t just about flashy interfaces; it’s built on robust back-end processes like bank account verification. When people know their transactions are secure, they’re more likely to stay loyal.

4. Simplifying Compliance—Without the Headaches

Let’s face it: compliance can feel like a chore. But with Indian regulations like KYC and AML, there’s no escaping it. Account verification takes some of the stress out of staying compliant. It helps businesses check off the boxes—validating account ownership, tracking transactions, and keeping everything above board.

Even government schemes like Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) use verification to ensure subsidies reach the right hands. It’s not just about ticking boxes; it’s about ensuring fairness in a country as diverse as India.

5. Saving Time and Cutting Costs

If you’ve ever dealt with failed payments or mismatched account details, you know how frustrating and expensive it can be. The beauty of digital verification tools is their speed and accuracy. Automated systems can check account details in seconds, freeing you up to focus on what matters—whether it’s growing your business or simply making your life easier.

For instance, large organisations that process payroll for thousands of employees can avoid a mountain of paperwork by using API-based verification. What used to take days can now be done in a matter of minutes.

6. Making Financial Inclusion a Reality

India’s push for financial inclusion through initiatives like Jan Dhan Yojana depends on reliable account verification. It’s not just about banks opening accounts; it’s about ensuring those accounts are active, functional, and linked to the right person. Verification bridges that gap, allowing benefits to flow to the people who need them most.

Think of the impact this has had during times of crisis, like the COVID-19 pandemic, when government aid reached millions directly into their verified accounts.

7. Strengthening the Backbone of India’s Economy

On a larger scale, account verification contributes to a cleaner financial system. It helps reduce the number of fake accounts, prevents fraud in the banking sector, and fosters a culture of accountability. For a country aiming to lead the world in digital payments, having a strong verification process isn’t just a benefit—it’s a necessity.

Best Practices For Bank Account Verification In India

While bank account verification might seem like a straightforward process, doing it effectively and efficiently requires a thoughtful approach. Whether you’re a business, an organisation, or an individual managing payments, following best practices can make the process smoother, reduce errors, and improve security. Here are some tried-and-tested strategies tailored to the Indian context:

1. Choose the Right Verification Method for Your Needs

Not all verification methods are created equal, and what works for a small business might not be suitable for a high-volume enterprise. For instance:

Penny Drop (Micro-Deposit): Works well for small-scale verifications but might be too slow for businesses handling thousands of transactions daily.
API-Based Verification: Ideal for enterprises needing instant results, such as fintech companies and payroll processors.
Document Verification: Useful for industries requiring additional proof, like real estate or insurance, but it can be time-consuming.

Assess the scale, frequency, and urgency of your verification needs before deciding on the method.

2. Leverage Technology for Real-Time Accuracy

With India’s digital infrastructure rapidly improving, integrating technology into your verification process is a smart move. APIs can connect directly to banking systems, offering real-time verification with minimal manual intervention. This not only saves time but also reduces the risk of human error.

For example, platforms like Cashfree Payments and Razorpay provide plug-and-play solutions for businesses in India, making API integration straightforward.

3. Prioritise Data Privacy and Security

In an age where data breaches are a real concern, it’s crucial to handle customer information responsibly. This is especially true in India, where privacy concerns around Aadhaar and bank details have made headlines. Follow these steps to ensure trust:

Encrypt sensitive data during transmission and storage.
Use secure servers and networks for processing verification requests.
Communicate how customer data will be used and stored.

Compliance with data protection laws, like the Information Technology Act and upcoming personal data protection regulations, is non-negotiable.

4. Educate and Communicate with Customers

Verification processes often require customers to share sensitive information, which can feel invasive. To reduce friction:

Be transparent about why verification is necessary.
Explain how the process works and how their data will be protected.
Offer support channels for customers to ask questions or address concerns.

A well-informed customer is more likely to cooperate, leading to smoother verifications and stronger trust in your organisation.

5. Keep Backup Options for Unsuccessful Verifications

Not all verifications go as planned. Sometimes, details don’t match, or there’s an issue with the banking system. To avoid delays:

Have fallback methods, like manual checks or additional document requests, ready to go.
Build workflows to quickly flag and resolve discrepancies without halting operations.

For example, if an API-based verification fails due to technical issues, you could revert to penny drop or document checks as backup.

6. Monitor and Regularly Update Your Processes

Fraudsters are constantly evolving their tactics, and verification systems need to keep up. Regularly audit your processes to identify weak spots and improve efficiency. Some steps to consider:

Monitor transaction patterns to flag suspicious activity.
Update your verification tools to align with the latest regulatory guidelines and technological advancements.
Train your team to handle exceptions and unusual cases effectively.

7. Stay Ahead with Regulatory Compliance

In India, staying compliant with regulations like RBI Guidelines, KYC Norms, and AML Requirements is critical. These are not just legal obligations but also a way to protect your business and customers. Ensure that:

Your verification methods align with RBI and government standards.
You have a system to maintain proper records of verifications for audits.
Any third-party providers you work with also meet compliance requirements.

8. Test and Optimise the Customer Experience

A clunky verification process can frustrate customers and even lead to drop-offs. Test your systems to ensure they’re fast, intuitive, and customer-friendly. Ask yourself:

Is the process easy to follow?
Are there clear instructions for customers at every step?
Can you simplify or automate parts of the process to make it quicker?

For instance, offering a one-click Aadhaar-linked verification option could significantly reduce friction compared to asking customers to upload multiple documents.

Conclusion

Bank account verification may not always be in the spotlight, but it’s a cornerstone of secure and efficient financial systems—especially in a diverse and dynamic economy like India. Whether you’re a business ensuring payments go to the right vendors, a fintech company building trust with users, or part of a government programme distributing benefits, verification safeguards transactions and strengthens trust.

In India, where regulations like KYC and AML are becoming more robust, account verification is no longer just an option—it’s a necessity. It protects against fraud, ensures compliance, and helps businesses operate more smoothly. Moreover, with the rise of digital payment platforms and API-driven solutions, the process has become faster and more efficient, making it accessible even for smaller organisations.

That said, verification isn’t just about ticking a box. By adopting best practices—like leveraging technology, safeguarding customer data, and staying compliant with regulations—you can turn this seemingly routine process into a competitive advantage. It’s not just about avoiding risks; it’s about building trust, streamlining operations, and contributing to a safer financial ecosystem.

In a country as vast and varied as India, every verified account represents a step toward greater financial inclusion and a more secure digital economy. Whether you’re starting small or operating at scale, making bank account verification a priority is one of the smartest investments you can make in your financial processes.

FAQs around Bank Account Verification

How can you verify a bank account?

Bank account verification in India can be done through:

Penny Drop Verification: A small deposit is made to confirm account details and name.
IFSC & Account Number Validation: Ensure the account number matches the bank’s IFSC code.
Aadhaar-Linked Verification: Check if the Aadhaar is linked to the account (with consent).
Bank API Integration: Use bank-provided APIs for real-time verification.
UPI Verification: Validate the account by linking it to a UPI ID.

What is needed for bank verification?

To verify a bank account, you typically need:

Account Holder’s Name
Account Number
IFSC Code
Consent for Verification
Aadhaar or PAN (if required for additional checks)

Ensure compliance with RBI and KYC guidelines during the process.

How to check owner of bank account?

To check the owner of a bank account in India, use a penny drop verification or a bank API to retrieve the account holder’s name, ensuring the process complies with RBI guidelines and requires the account holder’s consent.

What is a proof of bank account?

A proof of bank account is a document or statement, such as a canceled cheque, bank passbook, account statement, or bank-issued verification letter, confirming ownership and details of the account, including the account holder’s name, account number, and bank branch.

How do I request for bank account verification?

To request bank account verification, provide the account holder’s details (name, account number, IFSC) to the bank or use a third-party verification service/API with the account holder’s consent.

How do you validate your bank account?

For further information, contact your branch. To proceed, click “Re-Validate,” choose the correct bank account type, and submit the validation request. Alternatively, click “Re-Validate,” enter the correct IFSC, and submit. If needed, click “Re-Validate” again and try with a different bank account number.

By Abhinandan, 1 yearNovember 15, 2024 ago

Background Checks

BCI Mandates Criminal Checks, Degree Declarations & Biometric Attendance In Law Schools

The Bar Council of India (BCI) has announced significant reforms to ensure transparency and ethical standards in legal education nationwide. These reforms aim to regulate attendance, ensure academic integrity, and reinforce law students’ security and conduct. To monitor students’ antecedents and behaviour, all Centers of Legal Education (CLEs) are now mandated to implement a Criminal Background Check System and enforce declarations about simultaneous degree programs, employment status, and attendance compliance. Furthermore, to ensure better transparency in attendance tracking and security, biometric attendance systems and CCTV cameras must be installed in every institution.

Criminal Background Check System For Law Students

The Bar Council of India has taken a stringent stance on maintaining ethical conduct in the legal profession by implementing a Criminal Background Check System for all law students. This initiative aims to ensure that individuals entering the legal profession have a clean criminal record.

Also Read: New Criminal Laws Of India

Under this mandate, every law student is required to declare any ongoing First Information Reports (FIRs), criminal cases, convictions, or acquittals before the issuance of their final marksheets and degrees. Failing to disclose such information will result in strict disciplinary actions, including withholding the student’s final marksheet and degree.

Key Aspects Of This Criminal Background Check System:

Reporting Mechanism: CLEs must report any criminal cases involving students to the BCI via email. The subject line must include the criminal background check report, and the CLE is required to await the BCI’s decision before issuing final degrees.
Legal Consequences for Non-Compliance: If a student fails to declare any criminal case, both the student and the CLE will face serious consequences, which could include withholding of degrees and academic penalties for the institution itself.

This reform not only aligns with the broader global standard of ethical transparency in legal education but also adds a layer of accountability, ensuring that only those who are ethically fit to practice law receive their degrees.

A comprehensive background check ensures that individuals with criminal histories are identified before they embark on a legal career. This will act as a preventive measure to ensure that the future generation of lawyers in India meets the ethical standards set forth by the profession.

Simultaneous Degree Declaration

In an effort to maintain academic integrity and focus, the Bar Council of India (BCI) has reinforced the mandate that students pursuing an LL.B. degree must not be enrolled in any other regular academic program simultaneously. This rule is derived from Chapter II, Rule 6 of the Rules of Legal Education (2008) and seeks to prevent academic dilution while ensuring that students are fully committed to their legal education.

Law students must submit a formal declaration confirming that they have not pursued any other full-time degree programs during their LL.B. studies. The only exceptions permitted under this mandate are short-term, part-time certificate courses, such as those in language proficiency or computer applications, or distance learning programs that do not conflict with their regular legal studies.

Key Highlights Of The Simultaneous Degree Declaration:

Formal Declaration: Each student must declare that they are not pursuing any regular academic program alongside their LL.B. course. This declaration is mandatory and will be required before the issuance of the final marksheet and degree.
Strict Enforcement: CLEs are instructed not to issue degrees to any student found in violation of this rule. Such cases must be reported to the BCI for further action, which could include the cancellation of the student’s degree.

Employment Status And Attendance Compliance Of Law Students

Another key aspect of the Bar Council of India’s (BCI) new mandate is the declaration of employment status and attendance compliance during the pursuit of an LL.B. degree. These declarations are crucial for maintaining academic integrity and ensuring that students fully comply with the attendance requirements, a vital aspect of legal education.

Students must declare that they were not engaged in any job, service, or vocation during their LL.B. degree unless they had obtained a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Bar Council of India. This NOC is necessary to ensure that their employment or external commitments do not interfere with their academic responsibilities and attendance requirements. The BCI has made it clear that any student who fails to disclose their employment status or attendance will face strict consequences, which could include the withholding of their degree and further disciplinary actions against both the student and the CLE.

Key Aspects Of Employment Status And Attendance Compliance:

Employment Declarations: Every student is required to declare their employment status during their legal education. If they were employed, they must provide proof of an NOC obtained from the BCI.
Attendance Norms: Compliance with attendance rules is mandatory under Rule 12 of the Rules of Legal Education. Students must declare that they have met the required attendance threshold, which is typically a minimum of 75%.
Reporting and Penalties: If a student is found to have violated the employment or attendance rules, the CLE must report the matter to the BCI before issuing the final marksheet or degree. Non-compliance can lead to the revocation of degrees and punitive actions against both students and the CLE.

Biometric Attendance And CCTV Surveillance

To enhance transparency, accountability, and monitoring in legal education institutions, the Bar Council of India (BCI) has mandated the installation of biometric attendance systems and CCTV surveillance in all Centers of Legal Education (CLEs). These technological interventions are aimed at ensuring accurate tracking of student attendance and maintaining order in classrooms.

Biometric Attendance System: CLEs must implement biometric attendance systems to record and verify student attendance. This technology uses unique biometric data, such as fingerprints or facial recognition, to track attendance more precisely and avoid any potential manipulation or inaccuracies that traditional manual attendance systems may face.

By automating attendance through biometric systems, CLEs can eliminate discrepancies and ensure that only genuinely present students are marked as attending. The system also provides a reliable database for tracking student participation, which is vital for academic and disciplinary purposes.

CCTV Surveillance: In addition to biometric attendance, the installation of CCTV cameras in classrooms and other key areas is now a mandatory requirement. The BCI has directed CLEs to install cameras that record student and faculty activities in real-time, thereby ensuring that the classroom environment remains disciplined and conducive to learning.

The CCTV recordings must be preserved for at least one year to support any investigations or verifications related to student conduct, attendance compliance, or institutional disputes. These measures also act as a deterrent against misconduct, helping to maintain a secure and transparent educational setting.

Key Aspects Of Biometric Attendance And CCTV Surveillance:

Accuracy in Attendance: Biometric systems prevent proxy attendance or manipulation, ensuring that only students who physically attend the classes are recorded.
Real-Time Monitoring: CCTV cameras provide real-time surveillance of classrooms and other key areas in the CLE, fostering a disciplined environment.
Data Preservation: CCTV recordings must be stored for a minimum of one year, providing a reliable source of evidence if any issues arise regarding student behaviour or attendance.
Security and Compliance: These technological systems help CLEs comply with BCI’s standards while ensuring that the institutions maintain high levels of security and discipline.

Institutional Compliance Mandate And Penalties

The Bar Council of India’s (BCI) latest mandates place a significant responsibility on Centers of Legal Education (CLEs) to enforce these rules with immediate effect. The success of these reforms—covering criminal background checks, attendance compliance, simultaneous degree declarations, and biometric attendance systems—relies heavily on institutional adherence. To ensure strict enforcement, the BCI has outlined penalties for non-compliance by both students and educational institutions.

Institutional Responsibilities: CLEs are now required to:

Ensure all students undergo a criminal background check before issuing final marksheets or degrees.
Collect and verify declarations regarding simultaneous degrees and employment status.
Implement biometric attendance systems and CCTV cameras in classrooms and key areas, maintaining proper records.

Failure to comply with these mandates will result in severe penalties, not just for the students, but for the institutions themselves.

Penalties for Non-Compliance:

For Students: Students who fail to disclose criminal records, simultaneous degree enrolments, or employment status will face academic consequences, including withholding of their marksheets and degrees. They will also be ineligible for enrolment in any State Bar Council without meeting these requirements.
For Institutions: Any CLE found to be non-compliant with these mandates will face disciplinary actions, which may include de-recognition or disapproval of affiliation by the BCI. This could have long-term consequences for the institution’s ability to offer legal education and produce qualified graduates.

The BCI has made it clear that these measures are non-negotiable, and strict adherence is required to maintain academic and professional integrity in legal education.

Conclusion

The Bar Council of India’s reforms mark a pivotal moment for legal education in the country. By introducing mandatory criminal background checks, regulating simultaneous degree declarations, enforcing attendance compliance, and leveraging biometric attendance systems and CCTV surveillance, the BCI is setting a new benchmark for the legal profession.

For educational institutions and students alike, adhering to these reforms is not only a regulatory requirement but a way to ensure that the legal profession remains ethical and trustworthy. To facilitate the implementation of these new guidelines, institutions can leverage cutting-edge solutions like AuthBridge’s Criminal Background Verification service. AuthBridge, a leading provider of background verification and screening solutions, offers comprehensive and compliant criminal background checks that can help institutions meet the Bar Council of India’s stringent requirements. To learn more about how AuthBridge can support your compliance efforts, visit their Criminal Background Check Services.

By partnering with trusted providers like AuthBridge, CLEs can ensure the highest standards of transparency, security, and compliance, thus preparing law students for their future professional roles.

These mandates ensure that law graduates are not only academically qualified but also uphold the ethical standards essential for practising law. The emphasis on transparency, security, and accountability in CLEs will help foster a disciplined, professional environment that prepares students for the challenges of the legal profession.

Read The Official Notification By The Bar Council of India: Click Here

By Abhinandan, 1 yearSeptember 25, 2024 ago

Background Checks

UIDAI Extends Free Aadhaar Update Deadline Till September 14, 2024

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has announced an extension for the free update of Aadhaar details, with the new deadline set for September 14, 2024. This extension provides precious time for residents to ensure their Aadhaar information is up-to-date without incurring any fees, as post-deadline updates will be charged. With Aadhaar being the foundation for identity verification in India, keeping your details accurate and current is crucial for accessing various services and benefits.

Extension Of The Free Aadhaar Update Deadline

The UIDAI’s decision to extend the deadline for free Aadhaar updates until September 14, 2024, is a significant relief for millions of citizens. Initially set to expire earlier, the deadline has been extended to provide adequate time for individuals to update their biometric and demographic details. The extension is particularly important for those who may have had their Aadhaar issued more than ten years ago and have not updated their details since.

The free update applies to updates made through the myAadhaar portal, while updates made at Aadhaar centres will incur a fee of ₹50 after the deadline. This extension is also a response to the growing need for accurate data, especially as Aadhaar is increasingly being used for financial transactions and other sensitive operations.

The Importance Of Updating Aadhaar

Aadhaar, a 12-digit unique identity number issued by the UIDAI, is linked to various government schemes, banking services, and even mobile connections. Therefore, having accurate details in your Aadhaar profile is essential to avoid any interruptions in accessing these services. The UIDAI periodically requires biometric and demographic details updates to maintain the integrity of the Aadhaar database.

How To Update Aadhaar Details?

Updating Aadhaar details is a straightforward process that can be done either online or offline. Here’s how you can update your information:

Online Update Via myAadhaar Portal

Access the Portal: Visit the myAadhaar portal at https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in
Login: Use your Aadhaar number and OTP sent to your registered mobile number to log in
Select Update Section: Navigate to the ‘Update Your Aadhaar’ section
Choose the Details to Update: You can update your demographic details like name, address, date of birth, gender, mobile number, and email address
Upload Supporting Documents: For changes in name, address, or date of birth, upload the necessary documents as proof
Submit the Request: Review your details and submit the update request

Offline Update At Aadhaar Centres

Locate a Centre: Find the nearest Aadhaar enrolment or update centre.
Visit the Centre: Carry original documents for verification and submission.
Fill Out the Update Form: Provide details of the changes you wish to make.
Submit Documents: Provide the necessary documents as proof for demographic updates.
Biometric Update: Your fingerprints, iris, and photographs will be captured again for biometric updates.
Pay the Fee: After September 14, a fee of ₹50 will be applicable for any updates done at the centre.

Different Types Of Aadhaar Updates

Understanding the types of updates and their associated costs can help in planning the update process:

Biometric Update

For Children (Aged 5-7 and 15-17 Years): Free if done within the specified age brackets.
Otherwise: ₹100 fee for any other biometric updates.

Demographic Update

If Done with Biometric Update: Free.
If Done Separately: ₹50 fee.

Document Update

Online (Till September 14, 2024): Free.
At Aadhaar Centre: ₹50 fee.

If you fail to update your Aadhaar details before the September 14 deadline, you’ll need to pay ₹50 per update for demographic or document changes and ₹100 for biometric updates. This penalty is designed to encourage timely updates and ensure that the Aadhaar database remains accurate and reliable.

By Abhinandan, 1 yearSeptember 3, 2024 ago

Background Checks

Centre Allows UPSC To Verify Candidates Using Aadhaar

In a first-of-its-kind decision, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has been authorised by the central government to implement Aadhaar-based authentication for verifying candidates’ identities voluntarily during various stages of its examination and recruitment processes. This move comes after the controversy surrounding Puja Khedkar, a probationary IAS officer from the Maharashtra cadre, whose candidature was cancelled due to allegations of identity fraud and misuse of reserved category quotas. Adopting Aadhaar KYC (Know Your Customer) by the UPSC is a significant step towards ensuring the integrity and transparency of one of India’s most prestigious examinations.

Government’s Decision On Aadhaar-based Authentication For UPSC

According to a formal notification issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) yesterday: “…Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Personnel and Training, having been authorized by the Central Government, hereby notifies that the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is allowed to perform Aadhaar authentication, on a voluntary basis, for verification of the identity of candidates at the time of registration on ‘One Time Registration’ portal and various stages of examination/recruitment test, using Yes/No or/and e-KYC authentication facility.”

The UPSC conducts 14 major exams annually, including the Civil Services Examination, which selects candidates for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and Indian Police Service (IPS). Given the stakes involved, maintaining the integrity of these exams is extremely important. This decision to allow Aadhaar-based authentication is seen as a direct response to incidents of fraud, such as the case involving Puja Khedkar.

The Puja Khedkar Case

The Puja Khedkar case serves as a pressing reminder of the vulnerabilities in the current system. Khedkar’s actions not only undermined the integrity of the Civil Services Examination but also highlighted the need for more stringent identity verification measures. Her case, which involved the misuse of quotas and the manipulation of identity to gain an unfair advantage, has had a significant impact on the UPSC’s approach to candidate verification.

The decision to implement Aadhaar-based authentication can be seen as a direct consequence of the Khedkar case. By adopting this technology, the UPSC is taking a firm stand against identity fraud and ensuring that its recruitment processes are conducted with the highest standards of fairness.

Khedkar, who was provisionally allotted to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) for the 2023 batch, was found to have fraudulently availed herself of additional attempts in the Civil Services Examination by manipulating her identity. She also allegedly misused disability and Other Backward Classes (OBC) non-creamy layer quotas. As a result, her candidature was cancelled, and she was barred from all future UPSC examinations.

The UPSC’s adoption of Aadhaar KYC is a proactive measure to prevent such cases in the future. By using Aadhaar verification, including Aadhaar biometric verification and Aadhaar data verification, the UPSC aims to ensure that only legitimate candidates can participate in its exams. This move will help uphold the fairness and credibility of the UPSC recruitment process.

What Is Aadhaar KYC?

Aadhaar KYC involves the use of a 12-digit unique identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). This number is linked to an individual’s biometric and demographic data, which can be verified through Aadhaar authentication. The UPSC will utilise both Yes/No authentication, which confirms the validity of an Aadhaar number, and eKYC authentication, which provides detailed demographic and biometric information for verification.

The UPSC, recently, also issued a tender inviting public sector undertakings to develop these two technological solutions for its examination process: “Aadhaar-based fingerprint authentication (else digital fingerprint capturing) and facial recognition of candidates and QR code scanning of e-admit cards” and “Live AI-based CCTV surveillance service.”

Also Read:

New Criminal Laws Of India
Police Verification In India
How To Check Passport Status In 2024

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By Abhinandan, 1 yearAugust 29, 2024 ago