UPSC to Use Aadhaar for Candidate Verification
The Indian government has given permission to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to use Aadhaar-based authentication to verify candidates’ identities voluntarily. This can be done during registration and at various stages of examinations and recruitment.
Details of the Decision
The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions announced that this decision is in line with the Aadhaar Act of 2016 and the Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance Rules of 2020. The UPSC will use Yes/No or e-KYC authentication facilities for this purpose.
The UPSC must follow all the provisions of the Act, rules, and regulations, as well as directions issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).
IAS Officer Puja Khedkar’s Candidature Cancelled
In a related development, the UPSC has cancelled the provisional candidature of IAS officer Puja Khedkar. She has been permanently barred from all future exams and selections. This action follows allegations that she falsified her identity to gain additional attempts in the civil services exam.
Earlier in August, the Delhi High Court issued notices to the Delhi Police and the UPSC regarding Khedkar’s anticipatory bail plea. She had approached the High Court challenging a district court’s decision that denied her bail.
Doubts Revealed
UPSC -: UPSC stands for Union Public Service Commission. It is an organization in India that conducts exams to select people for various government jobs, like IAS officers.
Aadhaar -: Aadhaar is a unique identification number given to every Indian citizen. It has details like your name, address, and a photo, and helps in verifying your identity.
IAS Officer -: IAS stands for Indian Administrative Service. IAS officers are important government officials who help run the country by making and implementing policies.
Puja Khedkar -: Puja Khedkar is an IAS officer whose candidature was cancelled by UPSC because she allegedly lied about her identity to get more chances to take the exam.
Candidature -: Candidature means being a candidate or a person who is trying to get a job or a position, like in an exam or election.
Aadhaar Act -: The Aadhaar Act is a law in India that governs how Aadhaar numbers are issued and used. It ensures that people’s personal information is protected.