Deadline for mandatory linking of Aadhaar to avail govt schemes extended to March 31, 2018: Centre to SC

The Union government on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that deadline for mandatory linking of Aadhar card to avail benefits under government schemes has been extended till March 31, 2018.

Advocate General K K Venugopal told the apex court that the Union government will take no coercive action against those who do not have Aadhaar and they will not be denied social welfare scheme benefits till March 31.

Earlier the union government has fixed December 31, 2017, as the deadline for linking Aadhaar to avail benefits of various schemes like government scholarships, subsidised LPG cylinders, farm loans and pension schemes. 

Earlier on June 27, the Supreme Court refused to pass an interim order on government notification making Aadhaar mandatory for availing benefits of various social welfare schemes.

The apex court, however, said those who don't have Aadhaar cards/numbers would not be deprived of any government schemes or benefits till next date of hearing.