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The Government of India has taken a major step to strengthen identity security by deactivating more than 25 million Aadhaar numbers that were found to be linked to deceased individuals. This large-scale action has been carried out by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to prevent misuse of identity documents and curb fraud related to government schemes, banking services, and financial benefits.

Aadhaar has become one of the most critical identity documents in India, used for everything from opening bank accounts and filing taxes to availing subsidies and investment services. In such a scenario, any irregularity linked to Aadhaar data can create serious problems. This is why the government’s latest move has raised an important question among citizens — is your Aadhaar or that of a family member affected?

Why Were These Aadhaar Numbers Deactivated?

According to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, UIDAI has identified Aadhaar numbers that remained active even after the death of the cardholder. Keeping Aadhaar active after a person’s death poses a serious risk, as it can be misused to illegally claim government benefits, pensions, subsidies, or even commit financial fraud.

To maintain the accuracy of the Aadhaar database and protect public funds, UIDAI has proactively deactivated Aadhaar numbers belonging to deceased individuals. Officials have clarified that this step is purely preventive and aimed at ensuring transparency and trust in the identity ecosystem.

Online Facility Launched for Reporting Death

To make the process easier for families, UIDAI launched an online service called “Reporting of Death of a Family Member” on June 9, 2025. This service is available on the myAadhaar portal and allows relatives to report the death of an Aadhaar holder from the comfort of their home.

Earlier, families had to visit Aadhaar centers or follow lengthy offline procedures. The new digital system simplifies the entire process and reduces delays in deactivating Aadhaar numbers.

Documents Required for Aadhaar Deactivation

To report the death of a family member and request Aadhaar deactivation, the following documents are generally required:

• Aadhaar number of the deceased person

• Official death certificate issued by the Registrar

• Medical certificate issued by a doctor (if available)

• Proof of relationship with the deceased

Providing accurate and clear documents helps ensure faster processing of the request.

Step-by-Step Process to Deactivate Aadhaar Online

Families can follow these simple steps to deactivate the Aadhaar of a deceased member:

1. Visit the official portal myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in

2. Select the option “Report Death of a Family Member”

3. Enter the 12-digit Aadhaar number of the deceased person

4. Verify identity using OTP authentication

5. Upload the required documents

6. Submit the deactivation request

Once submitted, UIDAI reviews the request and updates the Aadhaar status accordingly.

How to Check Aadhaar Deactivation Status

Citizens can easily check whether an Aadhaar number is active or deactivated by following these steps:

• Visit the myAadhaar portal

• Click on “Check Aadhaar Status”

• Enter the 12-digit Aadhaar number and captcha

• If the status shows “Deactivated” or “Inactive”, the Aadhaar is no longer valid

Alternatively, applicants can also track the status using the 27-digit request number generated at the time of submission.

Why This Move Is Important for Citizens

Experts believe that this initiative will significantly reduce identity-related fraud and misuse of public welfare schemes. Deactivating Aadhaar numbers after death ensures that benefits reach only eligible individuals and helps maintain the credibility of India’s digital identity infrastructure.

Final Takeaway

The deactivation of over 2.5 crore Aadhaar numbers is a strong signal that the government is serious about protecting citizens from identity fraud. Families are strongly advised to report the death of Aadhaar holders in a timely manner to avoid misuse and legal complications in the future.

If you or your family members want to ensure Aadhaar records are accurate, checking the Aadhaar status on the official portal is a simple and effective step.