State awaits RBI directive on Aadhaar in banks

SHILLONG: The State Government is awaiting an order from the Reserve Bank of India on the central directive that makes Aadhaar mandatory for opening bank accounts and transactions by December.
Aadhaar enrolment started recently in some parts of the State.
An official dealing with Aadhaar said RBI should write to the Meghalaya Government on the directions related to Aadhaar so that the latter can issue a similar order in all districts.
After opposition by a group of NGOs, the enrolment process has finally picked up pace in East Khasi Hills district, the official said adding that more than 500 people are turning up every day in the district and the number will further increase in the coming days.
Aadhaar has become necessary after the Centre linked various government schemes and other official work with the unique identification number system. However, Meghalaya has been exempted in some cases.
The Central Board of Direct Taxes has also made it clear that Aadhaar card will be mandatory for filing income tax returns and applying for Permanent Account Number from July 1.
The State Government is targeting 60-70 per cent enrolment by the end of this year.