(Image source from: aainanews.com)

Aadhaar is not compulsory for booking international parcel yet one of the optional identity documents, the Department of Posts said Monday. "…Aadhaar, as per the prevailing norms in the country, is not a mandatory document to be produced at the time of booking," the  Department of Posts said in a statement.

It is mandatory to produce an identity proof acceptable for important transactions like booking an international parcel or international EMS (Express Mail Service) (Merchandise) for safety and security reasons.

"One of the accepted Identity Proof is Aadhaar, along with others like driving license, Passport, Voter ID (Identity Document) etc which are also acceptable…Moreover, all such documents are only required for office record and are not required to be pasted on the consignments," the statement said.

The statement came amid a report which states that India Post asks for the display of Aadhaar number on packages.

The department said that it appears that the confusion was created by an erroneous message generated from the twitter account of the office of the Chief Postmaster General, Delhi Circle wherein it was mentioned that pasting of ID proof on consignments is in accordance with international guidelines.

"Instructions are being reiterated to the post offices to ensure smooth booking of articles taking the convenience and regulatory requirements into account together," the statement said.

The postal department added that a copy of any ID proof including Aadhaar is needed for booking of International Parcel and International EMS (Merchandise) for security intent based on requests received from organizations like Wild Life Crime Control Bureau and Narcotics Control Bureau.

By Sowmya Sangam