The government has introduced three new methods, including through one-time password (OTP), to ease the process of linking the 12-digit Aadhaar identity number with individual mobile numbers, Communications Minister Manoj Sinha said in Delhi on Wednesday.

 The Department of Telecommunications has introduced the three new rules - through one-time password (OTP), App based and the IVRS facility, to link the Aadhaar with the mobile number.

With this, the subscribers can now link their registered mobile numbers to Aadhaar without visiting the telecom service providers' stores.

"For the ease of senior citizens and the people with disability and chronic illness, DoT has also recommended for the re-verification at subscribers' doorstep," a DoT statement said.

In another development, the Centre told the Supreme Court of Wednesday that the deadline for linking Aadhaar to various government schemes would be extended till March 31, 2018. 

According to the new guidelines, the telecom operators should provide an online mechanism for people to request such service and based on availability schedule the visit and complete the process.

"The Aadhaar number system was designed to allow all residents of the country access to critical government services and important information that they may need from time to time," the Minister said.

"Mobile penetration is increasing rapidly in the country and the subscribers need to be provided with the ease of linking of the Aadhaar number with the mobile number," he added.

Sinha said: "It is the government's endeavour to improve convenience and reduce time and energy spent by consumers to accessing government information and services that is their right to access."

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