Want to book a flight ticket to fly domestically? You may need your 12-digit unique Aadhaar card number ready to book your tickets if sources are to be believed.
Jet Airways has already recommended inserting the unique number into the PNR when tickets are booked and other airlines may similarly follow suit. While it is not mandatory now, it may soon become compulsory.
Linking Aadhar with PNR, Jet Airways claims will ensure seamless service to fliers as airport systems will be equipped to recognise the number in the bar code. Jet's website has gone live with accepting Aadhaar number during online booking and other services such as web and mobile check-in will be integrated later.
Indian Railways had similarly announced earlier that in order to claim concession on train tickets, the passenger may need to furnish their Aadhaar details.
However, insiders from the travel trade bodies are concerned that the move is disguised and the real aim is snooping by tax authorities.
"The moment Aadhaar card is linked, it will get connected with the travellers' tax and bank account," said a tax consultant who felt that the move would curtail travelling.
"With the government introducing new rules nearly every day, travellers will be apprehensive. When you ask for personal details, people become wary," Anil Punjabi, Travel Agents Federation of India (east) chairman was quoted saying to Times of India.
Moreover, the move is line with the government forcing the citizens to accept Aadhaar despite the supreme court having said multiple times that the Aadhaar card is not compulsory for availing government schemes.
The government however has been adamantly ignoring the SC order as it continues to make Aadhar mandatory by linking it more schemes such as LPG and pensions and even making it compulsory for giving competitive exams and availing government scholarships.
