Aadhaar Card Services

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is a body initiated under the provisions of the Aadhaar Act of 2016 on July 12, 2016, by the Government of India, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Under this Act, UIDAI is responsible for operation and management of all stages of Aadhaar life cycle, such as the development of the policy, procedure, and system for issuing unique Aadhaar numbers to individuals. UIDAI is also responsible for ensuring the security of identity information.

What Is Aadhaar Card?

Aadhaar number is a 12-digit number that is issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India to the Indian residents after undergoing the verification process. Every Indian resident must enroll for Aadhaar card. Individuals must provide minimal demographic and biometric information during the enrollment process, which is done free of cost.

Information Present In an Aadhaar Card

Demographic Information

The demographic information includes the basic information of the individual. It does not capture details like religion, caste, income, health, etc. Mentioned below is the list of demographic information available for different categories:

For an Individual:

• Name

• Aadhaar Number

• Date of Birth (verified) or Age (declared)

• Gender

• Address

• Mobile Number (optional) and Email ID (optional)

For Introducer-based enrollment:

• Introducer name

• Introducer’s Aadhaar number

For Family-based enrollment:

• Name of the Head of family

• Relationship with the Head of the family

• Aadhaar number of the Head of the family

For enrollment of a child:

• Enrollment ID/Aadhaar number of one parent

• Proof of relationship document

Biometric Information

• Facial Photograph

• Ten Fingerprints

• Two Iris Scans

Eligibility

Aadhaar can be used by the residents of India for various purposes, apart from using it for identification purpose. An individual can apply for aadhaar if:

• He/she is an Indian citizen residing in India.

• He/she is a non-resident Indian (NRI) residing in India.

• He/she is a foreigner residing in India.

• New-borns can also enroll for Aadhaar.

Features of Aadhaar Card

Uniqueness

The main feature of Aadhaar is its Uniqueness, as it stores both the demographic and biometric information. The deduplication process ensures that the Aadhaar card is not issued to any individual twice by comparing the individual’s enrolled information with its database. If an individual tries to enroll for Aadhaar more than once, subsequent requests are rejected.

Portability

The best feature is that Aadhaar can be used anywhere in India. This feature makes it unique, and it doesn’t come as a hindrance when Indians migrate from one state to another or from rural areas to cities, etc.

Random number

Aadhaar number is a random number that is devoid of any intelligence.

Scalable technology architecture

UID architecture is open and scalable. The data of the citizens is stored centrally and can be authenticated from anywhere in the country. Aadhaar authentication service is built to handle 100 million authentication in a day.

Open source technologies

Open source architecture impedes dependence on specific OS, specific computer hardware, specific database vendor, specific storage, or any specific vendor technologies to scale. These applications are built using open technologies/open sources and structured to address scalability in a vendor-neutral manner.

Uses of Aadhaar Card

Identity Card

Aadhaar card is very much used as proof of identity, proof of address, and proof of age. It does not really have a specific purpose behind it. For instance, a voter ID card has a sole purpose to permit the card-holder to take part in the electoral process. Aadhaar was not created with any specific use. Instead, it is used for a variety of purposes, making it universally acceptable government-issued card.

Availing of Subsidies

Aadhaar card permits the card-holder to avail of all the government subsidies he/she is eligible for. The government introduced schemes which involves linking Aadhaar to a bank account and LPG connection so that the individuals can receive their LPG subsidy directly to their bank accounts.

Ease of Availability

Aadhaar card is a government-issued document that is made available anywhere in India. One can also apply for it online. E-Aadhaar, a downloadable version of the physical copy of Aadhaar, which can be accessed anywhere, anytime. It also reduces the risk of an original document being misplaced/stolen, as the Aadhaar can be downloaded and displayed when required.

Benefits of Aadhaar Card

For Individuals:

• It allows an individual to open a bank account instantly

• It is used to get a passport and its renewal

• It is used to file Income Tax Returns

• It is used to store documents digitally

• It is used to claim subsidies

• It is used as address/identity proof for KYC

For Government:

• To track benami property

• To make an effective subsidy disbursal mechanism

• To remove ghost accounts

How to Apply for Aadhaar Card?

Follow the steps mentioned below to apply for aadhaar card:

• Visit the nearby Aadhaar Card Enrollment Center that is registered by UIDAI. You can locate the Aadhaar Enrollment Centre using the UIDAI Portal.

• You must carry your identity proof and address proof.

• Fill in the Aadhaar Enrollment Form.

• After filling the form, submit it in the center.

• Now, the process of enrollment takes place. Your photograph, fingerprint and iris scan will be taken.  

• After enrollment, you will receive an acknowledgment slip (containing enrollment number) that works till you receive the original Aadhaar Card copy.

• With the help of the enrollment number, you can check Aadhaar status online and through IVR.

• Upon proper verification by UIDAI, your Aadhaar Card will be issued to you.

• You will receive an SMS or email regarding the dispatch of your Aadhaar card.

• You will receive the Aadhaar card at your address through post.

Documents Required for Aadhaar Card Application

Applicants must submit two documents - the Proof of Identity (POI) and Proof of address (POA) at the time of enrollment. The documents must have your name and photograph on it. Here is the list of documents that are accepted by the UIDAI as the identity proof and address proof of the individual.

• PAN card

• Driving license

• Certificate of birth

• NREGA Jobs Card

• Photo Bank ATM Card

• Voter Identification Card

• Passport of the applicant

• Ration card or PDS Photo Card

To sum up, Aadhaar acts as a proof of identity, address and a lot more. It is accepted anywhere in India and makes your life easy. If you haven’t applied for Aadhaar yet, then apply now!