UIDAI Introduces Aadhaar (Payment of Fees for Performance of Authentication) Regulations, 2023

Key Takeaways:

1. Short Title and Commencement: The regulations, known as the “Aadhaar (Payment of Fees for Performance of Authentication) Regulations, 2023,” come into effect upon their publication in the Official Gazette, impacting various entities involved in the Aadhaar ecosystem.

2. Definitions: Consistency in interpretation and application is ensured by aligning the terminologies used in the regulations with those defined in the Aadhaar Act, rules, or other regulations.

3. Fee for Authentication: The fees for e-KYC authentication vary based on the entity conducting the authentication, with Telecom Service Providers charged one rupee and other entities charged three rupees. Yes/No authentication incurs a fee of fifty paise. These fees are inclusive of applicable taxes and undergo periodic revisions based on the Consumer Price Index.

4. Time for Payment of Fee: Entities must pay the fees within thirty days from the date of the invoice issued by the Authority. Failure to do so will result in monthly interest charges at a rate of 1.5%, compounded monthly. Additionally, entities discontinuing the use of the authentication facility must inform the Authority, with specified fees continuing until access is surrendered and deactivated.

Synopsis:

Short Title and Commencement

The regulations, known as the “Aadhaar (Payment of Fees for Performance of Authentication) Regulations, 2023,” come into effect upon their publication in the Official Gazette, impacting various entities involved in the Aadhaar ecosystem. This marks a significant development in the administration of Aadhaar services, affecting a wide range of stakeholders within the ecosystem.

Definitions

Consistency in interpretation and application is ensured by aligning the terminologies used in the regulations with those defined in the Aadhaar Act, rules, or other regulations. This alignment ensures that the meanings of the terminologies used within the regulations are consistent with those assigned to them in the aforementioned documents. By doing so, it promotes clarity and uniformity in the understanding and application of the regulations.

Fee for Authentication

The fees for e-KYC authentication vary based on the entity conducting the authentication. Telecom Service Providers are charged one rupee for e-KYC authentication, while other entities are charged three rupees. Additionally, Yes/No authentication incurs a fee of fifty paise. It’s important to note that these fees are inclusive of applicable taxes. Furthermore, the fees undergo periodic revisions based on the Consumer Price Index, ensuring that they remain in line with economic changes.

Time for Payment of Fee

Entities are required to pay the fees within thirty days from the date of the invoice issued by the Authority. Failure to make timely payments will result in monthly interest charges at a rate of 1.5%, compounded monthly. Additionally, entities discontinuing the use of the authentication facility must inform the Authority. It’s crucial to note that the specified fees will continue to apply until access to the facility is surrendered and deactivated.

FAQ

Q1: What is the effective date of the Aadhaar (Payment of Fees for Performance of Authentication) Regulations, 2023?

A1: The regulations come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.

Q2: How are the fees for e-KYC and Yes/No authentication determined?

A2: The fees vary based on the type of authentication facility used and the entity conducting the authentication. Telecom Service Providers are charged one rupee for e-KYC authentication, while other entities are charged three rupees. Yes/No authentication incurs a fee of fifty paise.

Q3: What happens if an entity fails to pay the applicable fees within the specified timeline?

A3: Failure to make timely payments will result in monthly interest charges at a rate of 1.5%, compounded monthly.