Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has said, Aadhaar card is important to avail government benefits but it is not mandatory. Talking to media outside Parliament, Mr Prasad said, if Aadhaar is not available, other identity proofs like a driving license or ration card can be used to avail government benefits. He said, the delivery of benefits through the Aadhaar card is transparent and safe.<br/> <br/>Yesterday, the Supreme Court had said that Aadhaar card cannot be made mandatory by the government for extending the benefits of its welfare schemes to the people. It, however, said the government cannot be stopped from using Aadhaar in other schemes like the opening of bank accounts. The court said it will set up a seven-judge bench to hear the pleas challenging Aadhaar but right now it is not possible.