Business News
Did Bharti Airtel violate Aadhaar Act? UIDAI probing telco over LPG subsidy landing in payments bank accounts
The Unique Identification Authority of India has said it has ordered an inquiry against Bharti Airtel for alleged violation of Aadhaar Act, according to a report in Times of India. UIDAI has also said it will slap a financial penalty on Bharti Airtel if charges against the telecom operator are proved.
It has been alleged that country’s largest telecom company is opening accounts in Airtel Payments Bank without the knowledge of the customers. The issue came to light when some customers complained that their subsidy under government’s direct benefit transfer, DBT, scheme was being deposited in Airtel Payments Bank accounts. Earlier, the subsidy was coming into the accounts designated by the customers for the same purpose, it has been revealed.
It is estimated the subsidy amount that got into Airtel Payments Bank accounts was more than Rs 40 crore. It has also been reported that UIDAI had served a showcause notice to Bharti Airtel as soon as the complaints against the company started to pour in.
Sources told TOI the agency decided to go for a probe after it was revealed the complaints of prima facie violations were found to be true. “The lapses are serious in nature. Prima facie, it is a criminal breach of trust and contract, and there are violations of provisions of the Aadhaar Act.” The customers who came forward with complaints say that they were unaware that Airtel Payments Bank had opened an account in their name.
