Mamata slams Centre for making Aadhaar must for bank accounts

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on June 16, 2017 flayed the Centre for making Aadhaar mandatory for opening bank accounts, saying it would make the poorest of the poor the worst sufferers.

“The poorest of the poor, the marginalised people will be the worst sufferers if #Aadhaar is made mandatory unilaterally,” Ms. Banerjee said in a tweet.

Ms. Banerjee also questioned privacy issues linked to the Aadhaar card and said that the Centre must assure security of the citizens of the country before making it mandatory.

“#Aadhaar has serious issues about privacy. Govt must not make it mandatory before 100% coverage is achieved,” the Chief Minister said.

Ms. Banerjee had earlier criticised the Centre’s decision to make Aadhaar cards mandatory for availing the midday meal scheme and accused it of snatching the rights of the poor.

She had alleged that rather than supporting the poor, the Centre was snatching away their rights.

The government has made quoting of biometric identity number of Aadhaar mandatory for opening of bank accounts as well as for any financial transaction of ₹50,000 and above.