When purchasing a new SIM card, it is often required to provide your Aadhaar card details for verification. This is a part of the government’s effort to regulate mobile connections and ensure that users are correctly identified. However, many people may not realize the formal rules that govern how many SIM cards a person can have registered under their Aadhaar number. According to the regulations, an individual can only buy a maximum of 9 SIM cards using their Aadhaar card. However, in some specific regions like Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, and the North East, the limit is set to 6 SIM cards.
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Despite this limit, there have been instances where individuals unknowingly end up with multiple active SIM cards under the same Aadhaar number. Sometimes, a person might think they only have one active SIM, but the number of SIMs tied to their Aadhaar could be much higher. In such cases, the person may not be aware of how many SIMs are truly active or if any fraudulent SIM cards are linked to their account. Fortunately, there is a straightforward way to check and manage your SIM cards linked to your Aadhaar.
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How to Check Active SIMs Linked to Your Aadhaar:
To check how many SIM cards are actively registered under your Aadhaar card, you can visit the official Sanchar Sathi website, which is managed by the Department of Telecommunications. This portal provides users with the ability to view all the mobile connections associated with their Aadhaar number. Additionally, it offers tools to report any suspicious or unauthorized SIM cards and even block them if necessary.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use the Sanchar Sathi portal to check your active SIM cards:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to sancharsaathi.gov.in.
- Navigate to Citizen Services: On the homepage, look for the “Know Your Mobile Connections” option under the Citizen Centric Services section and click on it.
- Enter Details: You will be prompted to enter your mobile number and a captcha code to verify that you are not a robot.
- OTP Verification: An OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to your mobile number. Enter this OTP to proceed further.
- View Your Active Connections: Once verified, you will be able to see a list of all SIM cards that are registered under your Aadhaar number.
- Report Suspicious Connections: If you spot any SIM card that you do not recognize or suspect to be fraudulent, you can report it by selecting the “Not Required” option. This will initiate the process to deactivate the SIM card.
- Deactivation Process: After reporting, it usually takes a few days for the SIM card to be deactivated. Importantly, there is no fee charged for deactivating a SIM card through this process.
Penalty for Exceeding the SIM Limit:
As per the new Telecom Act rules, a person is permitted to have a maximum of 9 active SIM cards linked to their Aadhaar. If a person is found to have more than 9 active SIM cards, they could face penalties. The fines for exceeding the limit can range from Rs 50,000 to as high as Rs 2 lakh. Therefore, it is crucial to keep track of how many SIM cards are active under your name to avoid any legal or financial repercussions.
Additional Services on the Sanchar Sathi Portal:
The Sanchar Sathi portal is not only useful for checking and managing SIM cards but also offers a variety of other services. For instance, it provides a platform to report cyber frauds, such as cases of identity theft or fraud involving mobile connections. The portal takes immediate action on such complaints, helping to protect users from further harm.
Moreover, if your phone is lost or stolen, the Sanchar Sathi portal allows you to block your device, preventing unauthorized use of your mobile number. This adds an extra layer of security and convenience for mobile users.
In conclusion, the Sanchar Sathi portal offers a valuable service for individuals to monitor and manage their mobile connections linked to their Aadhaar card. By regularly checking the active SIM cards associated with your Aadhaar, you can ensure that no unauthorized SIM cards are registered under your name. It also allows you to take swift action in case of any discrepancies, helping protect your identity and mobile services.
