The Finance Minister of India, Nirmala Sitharaman has asked all the banks to ensure that Aadhaar numbers must be linked with their respective bank accounts by March 31, 2021. She believes that the story of financial inclusion cannot be completed unless banks comply with the norm. This decision came in the light of the fact that many accounts are still not linked with Aadhaar.
"… by March 31, 2021, every account should have a PAN where needed and where applicable, and Aadhaar in every one of your accounts,” Sitharaman said addressing the 73rd annual general meeting of Indian Banks’ Association (IBA). The Finance Minister also emphasised over the importance of non-digital payments. “UPI should be a common parlance word in all our banks,” she said.
