Aadhar number should not be asked for while handling RTI applications

F. No. 1/1/2013-IR (pt.)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel and Training
IR (Division)

North Block, New Delhi
Dated 20th June, 2017

Office Memorandum

Subject : Securing the Personal information including Aadhar No., in RTI Applications/Appeals in compliance to Aadhar Act, 2016 and Information Technical Act, 2000.

The undersigned is directed to refer to this department’s OM of even no. dated 21.10.2014, 23.03.2016 and 07.10.2016 vide which it has been requested that personal information of an RTI applicant should not be disclosed, while uploading the application/ appeal etc. on the public domain/ websites.

2. In this context, it is to be stated that Ministry of Electronics And Information Technology (Meity) have circulated guidelines for securing Identity information and Sensitive personal data or information in compliance to Aadhar Act, 2016 and Information Technology Act, 2000,wherein they have instructed that personal particular and information including Aadhar No. etc. should not be published in public domain/websites etc.

2. In view of the above, it is requested that all Ministries/ Departments of Govt. of India including the subordinate offices may ensure the following while handling RTI applications viz. receiving, replying and uploading on websites etc.:-

(a) the personal information details like Aadhar no. should not be asked for while handling RTI applications.

(b) that the Aadhar no. or such other personal information is hidden from public view while uploading the RT/ applications/ Appeals/ Replies to the RT/ applications on websites, if Aadhar no. is mentioned therein.

(Preeti Khanna)
Under Secretary to the Govt. of India