The Andhra Pradesh Government has enabled voluntary Aadhaar-based authentication for citizens accessing municipal services through the Urban Local Body (ULB) online platforms, seeking to make civic service delivery faster, simpler and more secure.

Principal Secretary, Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD), S. Suresh Kumar, issued G.O. Ms. No. 179 on Friday, permitting Aadhaar authentication through Yes/No option and e-KYC facilities for establishing and verifying citizens’ identities.

The government said the move would reduce repetitive documentation, improve accuracy of municipal databases and help prevent impersonation, duplication and fraudulent transactions.

The initiative was taken under the Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance Rules, 2020, and relevant provisions of the Aadhaar Act, 2016, following approval by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology in consultation with UIDAI.

However, Aadhaar authentication would remain strictly voluntary. Citizens cannot be denied municipal services for refusing, or being unable to authenticate through Aadhaar. They must, instead, be offered alternative identity documents, including passport, ration card, voter identity card and driving licence.

Mr. Suresh Kumar said technology should reduce, rather than add to, the burden on citizens. He said the initiative would support seamless digital services, while ensuring accessibility and preventing exclusion.

Published - August 14, 2026 08:51 pm IST