Aadhaar authentication allowed for voluntary use in agricultural loan applications via the bank's portal, subject to statutory compliance. The Central Government authorises the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development to perform Aadhaar authentication on a voluntary basis for residents applying for agricultural loans via the Bank's portal, using Yes/No and e-KYC modes, subject to compliance with the Aadhaar Act, its rules and regulations, and directions of the Unique Identification Authority of India, effective from publication in the Official Gazette.