What is Aadhar Card?
Aadhaar is a unique identification number issued by the Government of India to residents of India. The Aadhaar number is a 12-digit unique identity number that can be obtained by residents of India based on their biometric and demographic data. The data is collected by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), a statutory authority established in January 2009 by the Government of India under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, following the provisions of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016.
Key Features of Aadhaar
- Uniqueness: Each Aadhaar number is unique to an individual and linked to their biometric and demographic data.
- Biometric Data: Includes fingerprints, iris scans, and a photograph.
- Demographic Data: Includes name, date of birth, gender, address, and mobile number.
- Voluntary: Enrollment for Aadhaar is voluntary but has become a de facto requirement for access to various services and benefits.
Benefits of Aadhaar in India
-
Identification: Aadhaar serves as a proof of identity and address across India.
-
Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT): Aadhaar helps in the direct transfer of subsidies and benefits to beneficiaries, reducing leakages and ensuring that the subsidies reach the intended recipients.
-
Banking and Financial Services: Aadhaar can be used for KYC (Know Your Customer) purposes, simplifying the process of opening bank accounts and reducing fraud.
-
Government Services: Facilitates access to various government services such as Public Distribution System (PDS), LPG subsidies, MGNREGA payments, and other welfare schemes.
-
Digital India Initiative: Aadhaar is a cornerstone of the Digital India initiative, facilitating online authentication and e-KYC processes.
-
Reduction in Corruption: By linking Aadhaar to subsidies and benefits, the government aims to reduce corruption and ensure that benefits reach the deserving.
-
Healthcare: Aadhaar can be used for patient identification in hospitals, thereby streamlining medical records and reducing duplication.
-
Education: Used to track students’ attendance and performance, and ensure that scholarships reach the deserving students.
-
Taxation: Linking Aadhaar with PAN (Permanent Account Number) aims to reduce tax evasion and streamline the taxation process.
-
Employment: Aadhaar can be used to verify employees' credentials and for attendance tracking in workplaces.
Overall, Aadhaar aims to provide a reliable and easily verifiable identity platform for residents of India, facilitating access to various services and benefits and promoting transparency and efficiency in governance.