Aadhaar Card has become one of the important documents in India for Identification. The government launched it on 28 January 2009. Since then, every citizen have to make their Aadhaa Card.
The government has mandatory Aadhaar everywhere and for everyone. Now even a newborn child has to make their Aadhaar ID.
Seeing its huge importance, we have brought Complete knowledge About the Aadhaar card, its authoritative department, purposes of the Aadhaar, benefits, eligibility, enrollment process, mandatory guidelines, linking with other documents etc.
Let us deep dive into India’s Aadhaar Card.
History Of Aadhaar Card In India
In 2006, the Indian government noticed that large numbers of Indians are lacking welfare schemes due to the Identity documents. Also, the government had to reduce corruption in schemes such as ‘eligibility fraud’, ‘identity fraud’ and ‘quantity fraud’.
Therefore government started the UID project in 2008.
Under Unique Identifier (UID) project, the government started the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to create a large database of citizen IDs to cover a large number of Indians.
And this born, Aadhaar on 28th January 2009.
UIDAI started Aadhaar Enrollment and generation across the country. The government announced to create Aadhaar mandatory near Aadhaar Enrollment Center.
At that time, people were standing in line outside the centre with Enrollment Forms. In schools, colleges, near shops everywhere people were making Aadhaar.
I made my Aadhaar after a year in 2010.
Government Principle For Creating An Aadhaar
The Aadhaar was designed to be a national identity card that could be used by citizens everywhere in the nation.
Additionally, it was intended to provide the government with a precise picture of India’s population, enabling it to target and deliver services efficiently, maximise the return on social investments, and keep track of the flow of resources and money across the nation.
It’s crucial to start with some fundamental design principles and build the Aadhaar setup appropriately in order to execute a UID of this scope successfully.
- Aadhaar is merely a means of identification; it is not evidence of citizenship. Uniqueness One person, one Aadhaar
- Enrollment of residents after thorough verification to weed out fraud and doubles
- Aadhaar is merely a random number and is devoid of intelligence.
- To establish identification everywhere, anytime, UIDAI offers online authentication.
- A pro-poor strategy to ensure social and financial inclusion
- Utilising partnerships to strengthen current public and private infrastructure
- When residents enrol, UIDAI simply gathers their basic personal data.
- Designing the Aadhaar Ecosystem with Security and Privacy in Mind.
Aadhaar An Unique Identification (UID) Number
The Aadhaar Card is a unique identification document issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to residents of India.
It serves as proof of identity and address and contains both demographic and biometric information of the cardholder.
The Aadhaar Card is a 12-digit unique identification number that is linked to an individual’s biometric and demographic data, including their name, date of birth, gender, address, photograph, fingerprints, and iris scan.
It provides a secure and standardized form of identification for residents across the country.
Aadhaar Enrollment: With Valid Documents and Introducer
Apart from National Population Register (NPR), the UIDAI accepts two types of Aadhaar Enrollment. First citizen ID proof and Address proof and second introducer.
One way citizens can generate an Aadhaar Number with their ID proof and address proof under UIDAI guidelines.
- Domicile Certificate
- Passport
- Ration Card
- Voter ID
Another way to enrol in Aadhaar is for those citizens who were lacking in pre-existing IDs. They are called Introducers.
Only 0.03% of Aadhaar numbers were issued through the introducer system.
Registrar verifies Introducers for Aadhaar Enrollment.
Purpose and Importance Of Aadhaar Card Launching In India
The main purpose of the Aadhaar Card is to provide Unique Identifiers to every citizen in India and reduce corruption in welfare schemes.
An Aadhaar provides its purpose, importance or benefits in the following:
Unique Identification (UID)
- The primary purpose of Aadhaar is to provide Unique Identification.
- This is known as UID Number.
- UID is a 12-digit unique number.
- 136.70 crore Aadhaar Card has been generated till 2023.
- The ID contains data such as Name, DOB, Mobile Number and Address etc.
Fast Government Schemes
- The government stops corruption in welfare schemes with Aadhaar.
- Linking UID with the following schemes prevents corruption.
- Public Distribution System (PDS),
- National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA),
- Social Security Pensions (SSP)
- Mid-Day Meal (MDM)
- 76.5 crore Ration card holders have seeded Aadhaar with PDS.
- 27.93 crore women have enrolled in PAHAL for LPG through Aadhaar.
- 100% of beneficiaries in PM Kisan Yojana have registered with their Aadhaar Card.
Banking Services and OTP inclusion
- The government has mandatory to link Aadhaar with a Bank account and Mobile Number.
- It helps Income Tax Department to get transaction details.
- It also helps the government to provide DBT benefits to actual beneficiaries.
- Aadhaar also acts as proof of identity for making any transaction through your bank.
Digital India Initiatives
- Aadhaar Card aligns with the government’s Digital India initiatives, promoting a digital-first approach to governance and service delivery.
- It enables online authentication and eKYC processes, eliminating the need for physical documentation and paperwork in various sectors, including telecom, banking, insurance, and e-commerce.
- This has simplified and accelerated service delivery, contributing to the digital transformation of India.
Prevent Identity Fraud and Improve Security
- Aadhaar contains Biometric and Iris identification.
- Without your Fingerprints and Iris scan verification, one cannot make any fraud.
- You can link your Aadhaar with various services to get more security.
Data-driven Governance and Policy-making
- Certainly, the government has a vast database of citizens with Aadhaar.
- Now the government knows our Name, Age, Place, Transaction, Income etc.
- It helps the government to make a better policy.
The Success Of Aadhaar Cards In India 2023
You can check Aadhaar Dashboard to get statistical data on the success of Aadhaar in India.
- The almost complete population of India has generated Aadhaar Number.
- According to UIDAI, about 137.47 crore Aadhaar numbers have been generated.
- Half of the population have updated their Aadhaar with current photos, addresses and credentials.
- 9682.18 crore Authentication has been done in generation and updating Aadhaars.
- 1565 crore eKYC done.
- 76.5 crore Ration card holders have seeded Aadhaar with PDS.
- 27.93 crore women have enrolled in PAHAL for LPG through Aadhaar.
- 100% of beneficiaries in PM Kisan Yojana have registered with their Aadhaar Card.
Bottom Line: Now we will learn How to apply for Aadhaar, Eligibility. Documents Requires, Fees, Update Process, Linking with Other Documents, Citizen Awareness.
myAadhaar Portal: Official Website For Aadhaar Services
The myAadhaar Portal is an online platform provided by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to facilitate various Aadhaar-related services for Indian residents.
Key features and services available on the myAadhaar Portal include:
Aadhaar Profile Update:
- Users can update their Aadhaar profile by submitting requests for changes or corrections in their demographic data such as name, address, date of birth, gender, mobile number, and email address.
Download e-Aadhaar:
- Registered users can download their electronic Aadhaar (e-Aadhaar) in PDF format from the portal.
- The e-Aadhaar is a digitally signed document that can be used as valid identity proof.
Order Aadhaar Reprint:
- In case of loss or damage to the physical Aadhaar card, individuals can request a reprint through the portal.
- The reprint is delivered to the registered address.
Virtual ID (VID) Generator:
- The VID is a temporary 16-digit random number that can be used in place of the Aadhaar number for various authentication purposes.
- The VID generator on the portal allows users to generate a VID.
Aadhaar Authentication History:
- Users can check the history of their Aadhaar authentication transactions to track when and where their Aadhaar was used for verification.
Aadhaar Lock/Unlock:
- This feature allows users to lock and unlock their Aadhaar biometric data to prevent unauthorized access or misuse.
Verify Aadhaar Number:
- Users can verify the authenticity of an Aadhaar number by entering the 12-digit Aadhaar number on the portal.
Retrieve Lost UID/EID:
- In case users have lost their Aadhaar number (UID) or Enrolment ID (EID), they can retrieve it by providing their registered mobile number or email address.
Aadhaar Services on SMS:
- Individuals can avail of various Aadhaar services by sending SMS requests from their registered mobile numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- The myAadhaar Portal provides a comprehensive set of FAQs to address common queries and concerns related to Aadhaar.
New Aadhaar Card Enrollment Process In 2023
It has been 15 years since Aadhaar Card was launched. Most of the population of the country has enrolled Aadhaar already.
But one who does not have Aadhaar Card yet, or who wants to make an Aadhaar card for their children can follow the following New Aadhaar Card Enrollment Process in 2023:
- Know your eligibility and require documents
- Apply for Aadhaar at Kendra
- Wait for your Aadhaar Number for 90 days.
- If you get a mistake, update.
New Aadhaar Card Enrollment Eligibility and Documents In 2023
Check the following and the latest Aadhaar Card Enrollment Eligibility:
| Category | Eligibility | Documents as Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Citizens | Any resident of India can apply for Aadhaar Card. | Proof of identity (such as PAN card, passport, etc.) |
| Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) | NRIs residing in India for a certain period of time. | Passport, visa, residency permit, etc. |
| Foreign Nationals | Foreign nationals residing in India for a certain period of time. | Passport, visa, residency permit, etc. |
| Minors | Children below the age of 15 can apply for Aadhaar Card with the consent of their parents/guardians. | Birth certificate, parent’s/guardian’s proof of identity and address. |
How To Apply For New Aadhaar Card In 2023
You cannot apply for a new Aadhaar Card online on the internet or from any website. You must have to visit Aadhaar Kendra for enrollment.
Certainly! Here is a step-by-step process on how to apply for a new Aadhaar Card in India:
Step1: Locate the nearest Aadhaar Enrollment Center
- Visit the official UIDAI website (uidai.gov.in) and click on the “Locate Enrolment & Update Centers” link.
- Enter your state, district, and locality details to find the nearest enrollment center.
- Note down the address and contact information of the enrollment center.
Step2: Book an Appointment (Optional)
- Some enrollment centres offer the facility to book an appointment online.
- Visit the UIDAI website and click on the “Book an Appointment” link.
- Select the enrollment center and choose a convenient date and time slot for your appointment.
- Provide the required details and submit the appointment request.
Step3: Fill out the Aadhaar Enrollment Form
- Download the Aadhaar Enrollment Form from the UIDAI website or collect it from the Aadhar Kendra.
- Fill in the required details accurately, including your name, gender, date of birth, address, mobile number, and email address.
- Review the form to ensure all information is correctly filled.
Step4: Visit the Aadhaar Enrollment Center
- Visit the enrollment center on the appointed date and time (if you have an appointment) or walk in during working hours.
- Carry the filled enrollment form along with the necessary documents (proof of identity and proof of address) as per the UIDAI guidelines.
- Present the documents to the enrollment officer for verification.
Step5: Biometric Data Collection
- Your photograph, fingerprints, and iris scan will be captured at the enrollment center.
- Cooperate with the enrollment officer and provide the required biometric data.
- Review the data entered by the operator to ensure accuracy.
Step6: Obtain Acknowledgement Slip
- After the completion of the enrollment process, the operator will provide you with an acknowledgement slip.
- The acknowledgement slip contains an enrollment number (EID) that can be used to track the status of your Aadhaar application.
Step7: Wait for Aadhaar Card Generation
- Once the enrollment process is complete, your application details and biometric data will be verified by UIDAI.
- The Aadhaar Card will be generated and dispatched to your registered address.
- You can track the status of your Aadhaar application online using the enrollment number (EID) mentioned on the acknowledgement slip.
Step8: Receive an Aadhaar Card
- The Aadhaar Card will be sent by post to your registered address within a few weeks.
- Once you receive the Aadhaar Card, check all the details mentioned on it for accuracy.
- In case of any discrepancies, you can request corrections or updates through the UIDAI portal.
