Aadhaar update, which earlier use to take anywhere around 14 days, are now being delayed for over 45 days say citizens. The delays have been observed for address changes, as well as for the issue of new Aadhaar numbers for children. These delays have been causing a lot of problems from parents who are looking to get their children admitted to schools along with those who are hoping to apply for passports.
“It’s been 3+ months since I applied for an Aadhar address update, but the status remains “under process.” Despite raising a complaint, there’s no update. This is urgent as I can’t proceed with my passport application,” says one such complainant Ashish Mangukiya on social media platform X.
“The service is pathetic. Over a month, and my son’s Aadhaar status is still unknown. Despite having an enrollment number from an e-Seva center, 1947 claims no application exists. Your call center staff are untrained, unhelpful, and lack basic communication skills. Stop wasting citizens’ time and fix this mess immediately. Ashwini Vaishnaw sir in between your photo shoot schedule, please monitor and rectify the inefficiency in your ministry,” says another citizen seemingly angered over the delay in getting a new Aadhaar number for his child.
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The delays have been reported especially after the month of October 2024. “My kid’s Aadhaar enrolment has been pending for 55 days, exceeding the standard 30-day timeline. This delay is affecting his preschool admissions and other important document processes,” says another frustrated parent. Aadhaar has been made mandatory for children looking to get admission in schools.
How Much Time Does Aadhaar Update Usually Take?
The official Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) website says that while the time frame for adults to get an Aadhaar number is 0 to 180 days, for minors without biometrics it is 0 to 30 days. However, the complaints raised suggest that there is a delay of over 45 days in issuing new Aadhaar numbers. While there is a grievance redressal mechanism available, citizens have stated that no resolution have been offered so far.
“They will tell repeated words like, request is for yourself or someone, Which state, Enrolment Number, Date, Time. And the final answer will be your request is under process, please wait for few more days. Every 30 days they will give one complaint number also,” says Rajesh Durairaj on X.
While the Supreme Court has categorically stated that while Aadhaar as a document stands valid, it cannot necessarily be made mandatory for opening bank accounts, getting a mobile number, or being admitted to a school. Despite this ruling, the central government continues to encourage citizens to link their Aadhaar numbers to various services. These include mobile SIM cards, bank accounts, death registrations, land and vehicle registrations, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation, and numerous welfare schemes such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, the Public Distribution System, old-age pensions, and public health insurance programs.
“I enrolled my son for an Aadhaar card on October 5th, but we still haven’t received the number. Every school in Delhi requires it for admission, and the deadline is November 20th. Please expedite his Aadhaar, we need it for his admission. The website states the process takes one month, but it has nearly been two months and we still haven’t received the Aadhaar number. This delay may impact my son’s education,” says Dheeraj Garg an anxious parent.
Nevertheless, UIDAI has not responded with a reason for these complaints so far. They have instead encouraged those impacted to register complaints with the website, and keep a tab on the assigned complaint numbers for further updates.
