Startups weigh government nod to use Aadhaar KYC for gig workers
This comes on the back of the ministry of electronics and information technology's (Meity) crackdown on all forms of unauthorised use of Aadhaar-based digital onboarding services. ET reported this development on June 9.
Meity even blocked access to the websites of startups like Zoop, Surepass, Digitap and others to arrest unauthorised access to government databases, ET had reported.
Also Read: ETtech Explainer: Behind crackdown on unauthorised use of govt databases for user onboarding
Service providers like Protean eGov Technologies can offer access to the Aadhaar rails through a secured channel once the concerned ministry clears the proposal from these private companies. 'We now have the capability to offer Aadhaar authentication services to private platforms, particularly relevant for specific use-cases, such as verifying gig workers at scale, where the trust built into Aadhaar can significantly strengthen KYC processes,' said Bertram D'Souza, chief product and innovation officer at Protean eGov Technologies.'We are already in multiple conversations with players in the tech industry. However, it is important to note that ministry approval remains a required part of the process,' he added. On January 31, the government issued a notification allowing private companies to use Aadhaar rails for specific purposes, but only after an explicit clearance from the concerned government department. It is through this route that startups are hoping to impress upon the government the need for them to use the Aadhaar database for authentication of their delivery personnel and frontline workers.While regulated entities are allowed access to the Aadhaar database, the challenge lies with unregulated entities using secured channels for authentication of any user, specifically used to onboard blue-collar workers.Wriju Ray, chief business officer, Idfy, a Mumbai-based identity verification startup, explained that to verify their delivery executives, some e-commerce players were using the screens of the 'offline' Aadhaar website through unauthorised means, a practice deemed to be illegal by Meity and UIDAI.'We are now in talks with these e-commerce players to migrate them to Digilocker-based verification of Aadhaar or a simple redirection-based process to verify the delivery executive against offline Aadhaar,' Ray added.A senior executive at another identity verification startup pointed out that most gig workers are onboarded through an assisted channel and unless the concerned person has Digilocker on his or her phone, the verification journey becomes complicated.If Aadhaar rails can be accessed through due permission of the authorities, then identity verification startups can operate as technology service providers acting as a bridge between tech startups and the likes of Protean and drive these verifications through a consent mechanism.In its March quarter presentation Protean eGov reported that it has processed around 327.5 crore Aadhaar-based authentication services since it started. In FY25 alone the publicly listed company said it processed fifty-six crore such transactions with around 10 lakh authorised every day. Protean does around 12 lakh eKYC transactions daily. According to data from UIDAI, in June alone 1.1 billion authentication services and 287 million eKYC services were undertaken through Aadhaar. Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. Did Jane Street manipulate Indian market or exploit its shallowness?
Just before the Air India crash, did India avert another deadly mishap?
How Balrampur Chini, EID Parry are stirring up gains amid melting sugar stocks
Second only to L&T, but controversies may weaken this infra powerhouse's growth story
Stock Radar: Poly Medicure stock looks attractive for short-term gains; still down 30% from highs
Stock picks of the week: 5 stocks with consistent score improvement and return potential of more than 29% in 1 year
Capital market stocks: Some corrections are opportunities, 5 stocks with potential downside to upside from -20% to +24%
Skepticism & multibaggers: 15 stocks where element of skepticism is high, need is basic & now policy direction is right
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mint
40 minutes ago
- Mint
Adani Properties, Mhada sign agreement for mega Mumbai redevelopment project
Bengaluru: Adani Properties, the real estate firm of Adani Group, on Monday signed an agreement with state agency Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (Mhada) for the redevelopmentof Motilal Nagar in suburban Mumbai's Goregaon (West). Mahada has appointed the Adani Group firm as the construction and development (C&D) agency for implementing the redevelopment of its Motilal Nagar 1, 2 and 3 colonies. In March, Adani Properties emerged as the highest bidder for the ₹ 36,000-crore project that spans across 142 acres in the city, outbidding L&T project will be Adani's second largestredevelopment project after the mega Dharavi slum redevelopment project in Mumbai. The Dharavi project is being developed by Navbharat Mega Developers Pvt. Ltd (NMDPL), a special purpose vehicle formed as a joint venture between the Maharashtra government and the Adani Group. 'The long-cherished dream of the residents of Motilal Nagar is now taking concrete shape. We aim to make this the finest redevelopment project in the country, ensuring transparency, quality, and social commitment through Mhada's implementation," said Mhada vice-president and CEO Sanjeev Jaiswal. Pranav Adani, director at Adani Properties, was also present at the agreement signing ceremony. The Motilal Nagar Mhada colony will be the largest redevelopment project in the country to be implemented through the construction and development model. It will entail free rehabilitation of residents in 1,600 sq. ft apartments. Through this redevelopment, Mhada said it will receive 397,100 square metres of constructed area from the developer Adani Properties. This will significantly boost Mhada's housing stock in the near future. The project has been declared a 'Special Project' by the Maharashtra government. Motilal Nagar 1, 2, and 3 colonies currently comprise 3,700 tenements. Additionally, non-resident tenants will be provided with 987 sq. m. of commercial space. A five-acre central park will be a key feature of the project. The construction of the rehabilitation units is expected to be completed within seven years. A comprehensive master plan has been developed by Mecanoo, an architecture firm based in Netherlands, while the infrastructure planning was done by London-based Buro Happold. Apart from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), Adani Properties that operates under the Adani Realty brand name, has real estate projects in Pune, Ahmedabad, and Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR). Mint reported in April 2024 that its project portfolio totals over 200 million sq ft, with 130 million sq ft earmarked for potential future development. Since then, the company's portfolio has expanded rapidly. While the company plans to do a mix of housing, office and retail projects, it specializes in large-format, often complex, residential-led developments. Possibly, the company's largest development will be a massive 1,000-acre township project in Navi Mumbai, where the conglomerate is building a new international airport. 'In the Motilal Nagar project, Adani Properties plans to do a large integrated mixed-use development, where the first phase will have residential development along with some retail,' said a person familiar with the development, who didn't wish to be named. An Adani Properties spokesperson didn't respond to queries.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
an hour ago
- Business Standard
IPOs mark a new era for India's hospitality industry with scale, ambition
In the past two months, international chains have announced aggressive expansion plans for India. Most plan to open 100-300 hotels in the next five years, said analysts at Elara Capital Gulveen Aulakh New Delhi Listen to This Article India's hospitality sector is rolling out the red carpet for investors. A flurry of upcoming IPOs, or initial public offerings, the entry of new players, and ambitious expansion plans by Indian and global hotel brands are ushering in what could be the industry's most formalised era yet. Leading the charge are real estate titans, who are turning their hotel arms into global hospitality chains. Among the first movers is Bengaluru-based Brigade Enterprises, which has filed for a ₹900 crore public issue for its hospitality arm, Brigade Hotel Ventures. Close on its heels is peer Prestige Group, which is looking to
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Flyers fume as Southwest Airlines shocks passengers with policy changes — key updates you need to know
Southwest Airlines, which was unknown for its 'Bags Fly Free' policy, has officially put an end to that perk for most flyers and many loyal customers aren't happy, as per a report. Southwest Airlines Ends 'Bags Fly Free' for Most Travelers As of May 28, the Dallas-based carrier began charging passengers for their first and second checked bags, a move that marks a major shift from its decades-old policy of offering two free checked bags for all passengers, according to a report. Now, most travelers will pay $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second, the same rates charged by major competitors like American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines, as reported by Newsweek. ALSO READ: Wolfspeed stock soars over 100% after shock CFO appointment — who is Gregor van Issum? by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Wärmepumpe fast geschenkt, wenn Ihr Haus dies hat! (seltsamer Trick wichtig) Wärmepumpen-News | Deutschland Weiterlesen Undo Why Southwest Changed Course Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan explained during an interview with The New York Times, that the move is part of a broader plan to stay competitive, modernize the airline, and meet changing traveler expectations in a post-pandemic world, as reported by Newsweek. The new baggage policy is expected improve Southwest's profitability and to net the airline $4 billion in profit, according to the report. He highlighted that, "Customers today want a lot of choice, especially coming out of the pandemic. The customer's needs and wants are just different. The move to bag fees is really about choice," as quoted in the report. Live Events ALSO READ: Crypto legend Roger Ver resurfaces? Dormant whale may have just moved $8.6 billion in Bitcoin after 14 years Jordan emphasized that, "Change is hard, and change is emotional. The needs of customers, employees and investors don't have to be at odd," as quoted by Newsweek. He also pointed out that the changes were not only led by investor pressure but also reflected broader industry trends and consumer behavior as almost all other US airlines and many others around the world charge for taking bags and added that, "There is a bit of catch-up here because we're moving to that world, but in months, not a decade," as quoted in the report. CEO Defends Move, Says Southwest Airlines is Evolving During the interview, when the CEO was asked about whether the changes reward frequent customers and potentially leave out those who don't fly Southwest as much, Jordan responded saying that the airline is "not abandoning anybody," as reported by Newsweek. He emphasized that, "You are going to get great fares on Southwest Airlines, period," and added that, "My whole point is there's more coming to the strategy as we keep evolving, but it's all about staying true to who we are—best people, best hospitality, best service—while stretching the model to meet the needs of our customers," as quoted in the report. ALSO READ: Meet Scott Ruskan: The Coast Guard hero who saved 165 lives during the Texas floods Some Flyers Still Get Free Bags However, Southwest Airline's latest updated policy will have some benefits for certain travelers, like Business Select flyers and Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members will continue to check two bags for free, while A-List status holders and Southwest credit card users can check one bag at no extra cost, as reported by Newsweek. FAQs When did Southwest's baggage policy change? The new policy took effect on May 28, 2025, for flights booked or voluntarily changed on or after that date, as per the Newsweek report. How much does it cost now to check a bag on Southwest? Most passengers will pay $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second.
