Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identity number issued by UIDAI to individuals on the basis of their biometric and demographic information. Aadhaar card can serve as a valid identity and address proof for individuals to avail various government subsidies and services, to open bank accounts, procure a passport, avail Digital Life Certificate, avail subsidy on LPG, etc. Aadhaar card has revolutionized the digital functioning of the Indian system that offers online identification with no charges and a highly secure authentication process. Read on to know the various key features and benefits of having an Aadhaar card.
Aadhaar Card Features
Here are a few key features of Aadhaar card:
- Uniqueness: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) issues 12-digit identification number to Indian residents which is unique to every individual. This unique number is achieved through the process of demographic and biometric information. These details are so unique that they cannot be duplicated and ultimately reduce any chances of fraud and misrepresentation. The uniqueness of the Aadhar card is determined by de-duplication. Under this process, the resident’s demographic and biometric information collected during the enrolment processis compared with the records in the UIDAI database to verify if the resident’s details are already in the database or not. It should be noted that enrolment for Aadhaar card can be only done once. After the process of de-duplication, only one Aadhaar is generated. The enrolment will get rejected if the resident enrols for more than once.
- Random Number: Aadhaar number is unique in its way and is devoid of any kind of intelligence. People are required to provide minimal demographic and biometric information to enrol for Aadhaar. UIDAI does not ask for information such as religion, income, health, geography, etc.
- Portability:Aadhaar offers nationwide portability for Indian residents and can be authenticated anywhere online in India. Aadhaar is easy and convenient portability is particularly crucial as a large number of Indians migrate from one state to another or from rural areas to urban centres, etc.
- Open Source Technologies: UIDAI has adopted open source technology which restricts dependence on specific computer hardware, storage, OS, database vendor or any specific vendor technologies to scale. Such applications are created using open source or open technologies and structured to address scalability in a vendor-neutral manner as well as allow co-existence of heterogeneous hardware within the same application.
- Scalable Technology Architecture: The architecture of UID is designed in such a way that it is open and scalable. UIDAI stores resident’s data centrally and it can be authenticated online from anywhere in India. Aadhaar authentication is processed in such a way that it can handle 100 million authentications per day.
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Benefits of Aadhaar Card
Some key benefits of UIDAI’s Aadhaar card are:
- One Individual – One Aadhaar: Aadhaar is a unique number and two residents can never have the same number as each Aadhaar is linked to a person’s individual biometrics. This Aadhaar-based identification helps in identifying and eliminating ghost and fake identities which could lead to leakages and the resultant savings can then be used by the government to extend benefits to other eligible residents.
- Inclusion of Those Without Any Existing Identity Documents: The poor and marginalised often do not possess the identification documents that they need to get government benefits. The “Introducer” system which has been approved for data verification for UIDAI will help such residents to establish an identity and avail government benefits.
- Electronic Benefit Transfers: The UID-enabled-back account network seeks to provide a lost cost and secure platform to transfer benefits to residents without the huge costs associated these days with benefit distribution. It will also help to eliminate leakages, if any, in the current system.
- Aadhaar-based Authentication to Confirm Entitlement Delivered to the Beneficiary: Agencies who wish to validate a resident’s identity can do so using UIDAI’s online authentication services. This will help to confirm if the entitlement is actually reaching the intended beneficiary. It will also help to increase transparency. Transparent monitoring and clear accountability will also help improve access and quality of entitlements to beneficiaries as well as the agencies.
- Greater Control for Residents through Self-Service:With Aadhaar’s authentication mechanism, residents can have the latest information about their demand services, entitlements and get their grievances redressed directly from their mobile phones, kiosks or other means. In case of self-service on the resident’s mobile, security is assured using two-factor authentication (that is, using the resident’s Aadhaar PIN and by proving possession of the resident’s registered mobile number). These standards are compliant with RBI-approved standards for payments and mobile banking.
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FAQs
Q1. Is Aadhaar card a proof of citizenship?
Ans. No, Aadhaar card is not a proof of citizenship. It is only a proof of identity and address.
Q2. Is my Aadhaar number related to my identity or attributes in any way?
Ans. No, your Aadhaar number is a unique random number and in no way related to your identity or attributes.
Q3. How can I apply for an Aadhaar card?
Ans. You can apply for an Aadhaar card by visiting the nearest Aadhaar enrollment centre and filling up and submitting the Aadhaar enrolment form along with your biometric information and the relevant documents.
Read More: Documents Required for Aadhaar Card
Q4. What is the validity of my Aadhaar card?
Ans. Your Aadhaar card is has a lifetime validity.
Q5. Is it mandatory to get an Aadhaar card?
Ans. According to the provisions of the Aadhaar Act and the regulations framed under it, residents who are eligible for Aadhaar can apply for it. Likewise, agencies providing services and benefits may choose to use Aadhaar in their systems and may require that their beneficiaries/customers provide their Aadhaar card for these services.