Centre extends the deadline to link aadhar with welfare schemes

New Delhi, Oct 25: The Central government has extended to March 31 the deadline for linking the 12-digit Aadhaar identity number to various welfare schemes, the Supreme Court was told on Wednesday.

The government also told the court that those without the biometric number would not be denied benefits and no coercive action would be taken against those who don't have Aadhaar.

The court will on October 30 hear the government on mandatory linking of bank accounts and mobile phones, a directive that has been challenged in the court.



The deadline for linking bank accounts is December 31 and for mobiles February 28.

Right activists, however, say people are being denied benefits such as subsidized food for want of Aadhaar, which is also facing legal challenges for violating privacy.