Q571. Will getting Aadhaar Card

help OCI get gas connection or

ration card?

Question: Hi: I would like to express my appreciation the wealth of information you provide. I have a question: my wife and I are both Canadian Citizen and an OCI. We visit India every year sometimes twice a year. Every time we face the same problems: (i) need ID Proof with Photo to get a SIM card, (ii) have to buy cooking Gas cylinder at the black market price and have no Ration card. My understanding of getting the OCI was that I that OCI Card will be acceptable foe these services. I was wrong. We do use ration while in India and use gas for cooking the ration (Food). Now we come to AAdhar card. Am I eligible to get one. If yes, this will solve many a problems. Thank you, Ajit Singh Liddar Answer: I understand your concerns, however: 1. Providing ID for acquiring a Sim Card is the law in India that applies to not only NRIs, OCI or Foreigners but also to all Indian citizens. OCI holders, such as yourself who go through the procedure of getting a Sim Card after providing the required documentation, have to repeat the procedure again because Sim Cards that show no activity for 120 days are automatically canceled. If you have relative or trusted friend who can make the occasional call using your Sim Card during your absence, you may be able to avoid having to re-apply for a new Sim Card every time you visit India. Your phone number would also remain the same. 2. Aadhaar card is India’s version of the Canada’s social security number. As a Canadian citizen, you must have a Canadian Social Insurance Number and know that only Canadian residents can get a social insurance number card. Visitors to Canada cannot apply for Canadian Social Insurance numbers. Similarly, Aadhaar card is only for Indian residents. Regardless of citizenship, anyone living in India as a full time resident can apply for Aadhaar card. Depending on how much time you spend in India, you may be able to apply for and get Aadhaar card. Normally about three months are required as Aadhaar is mailed to your local address in India. 3. Ration cards are controlled by State Governments and many State governments allow ration cards to be issued now only to Indian citizens of their state. 4. Cooking Gas Cylinder connection in India for OCI holders is possible if they reside in India. If you have a residence in India and will stay there for an extended time, you can apply for a connection. Normally someone comes to the house to verify occupancy after an application is filled. 5. Having a Aadhaar card does not guarantee that you will get a ration card or gas connection. Aadhaar is just one type of ID acceptable in India.