Winning Bizness Desk

Mumbai. The Aadhaar card is a vital document containing your personal details such as name, address, phone number, and fingerprints. It is used for various purposes, making it essential to ensure its security. If it falls into the wrong hands, it could lead to serious problems. Worried about your Aadhaar being misused? Don’t worry—you can easily check this from home. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) allows you to monitor your Aadhaar usage online for free. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

How to Check Aadhaar Usage

1) Visit the UIDAI Website: Go to the official UIDAI website at [uidai.gov.in] (http://uidai.gov.in).

2) Find the Authentication History Option: Under "Aadhaar Services," locate and click on the "Aadhaar Authentication History" option.

3) Enter Your Aadhaar Number and Security Code: Input your Aadhaar number and the security code displayed on the page. Then click on "Send OTP."

4) Verify OTP: You will receive a one-time password (OTP) on your registered mobile number. Enter the OTP and click "Submit."

5) Enter Details and Check: Fill in the required information, such as authentication type and date range (up to six months of data is available). Then click on "Verify OTP."

6) View Usage History: A list will appear showing where and when your Aadhaar card was used in the past six months.

What to Do If Misuse Is Detected

If you suspect that your Aadhaar card has been misused, you can file a complaint immediately:

a) Call: Dial the toll-free number 1947.

b) Email: Send your complaint to help@uidai.gov.in.

c) Online: File a complaint at [uidai.gov.in/file-complaint](http://uidai.gov.in/file-complaint).

Handling Aadhaar After Someone’s Death

There is no system to cancel an Aadhaar card after the holder’s death. The deceased person’s family is responsible for safeguarding the card to prevent misuse. If the deceased was receiving benefits from any scheme or subsidy linked to Aadhaar, the concerned department should be informed about the death. This will remove the person’s name from the scheme. You can lock the Aadhaar number of a deceased person via the Aadhaar app or UIDAI website to prevent unauthorized use. Monitoring your Aadhaar regularly and taking precautions can protect your information from falling into the wrong hands.