The Department of Information Technology, Government of Maharashtra (DIT), on March 20, 2026, issued a notification permitting the use of Aadhaar authentication for identity verification on the MahaSarthi portal, following approvals from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). The notification is in accordance with the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016 and the Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance Rules, 2020.
The notification provides that Aadhaar authentication shall be used for voluntary identity verification during user registration and generation of a unique MAHA ID on the MahaSarthi portal. Authentication may be conducted through Yes/No or e-KYC methods, with the objective of creating authenticated digital records to facilitate efficient delivery of government schemes and services in Maharashtra.
It is further clarified that Aadhaar authentication is strictly voluntary, and alternative identification methods such as Ration Card, Driving License, PAN, Voter ID, APAAR ID, or ABHA ID must be accepted. No individual shall be denied services for not opting for Aadhaar authentication, and prior consent of the Aadhaar holder is mandatory.
[Notification No. UCD-1725/C.R.355/TT]
