The government has made Aadhaar mandatory for post office deposits, Public Provident Funds, National Savings Certificate scheme and the Kisan Vikas Patra. The Ministry of Finance said existing depositors have time till December 31 to provide the 12-digit unique identification number, PTI reported.

The ministry issued four separate gazette notifications on September 29. “Where Aadhaar number has not been assigned, the depositor shall submit proof of application of enrolment for Aadhaar,” it said.

So far, more than 50 Central schemes have been linked with Aadhaar. The government has already made quoting the Aadhaar number mandatory for bank deposits, new mobile phone connections and several other utilities. However, a Constitutional bench of the Supreme Court is still hearing arguments challenging the validity of Aadhaar.