Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to every resident of India. It can be used for various purposes such as identity verification, e-KYC, subsidies, benefits, and other services.
Aadhaar is based on the biometric and demographic data of the residents, which are collected and stored in a centralized database. Aadhaar is one of the largest and most sophisticated identification systems in the world, with over 1.3 billion enrolments as of 2021.
E-Aadhaar is an electronic version of your Aadhaar card that you can download from the official UIDAI website or the mAadhaar app.
E-Aadhaar is a password-protected PDF file that contains your Aadhaar details and a digital signature from UIDAI. E-Aadhaar is equally valid as the physical copy of Aadhaar and can be used as an identity proof for various purposes.
You can download your e-Aadhaar using your Aadhaar number, Virtual ID (VID), or Enrolment ID (EID) and an OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
Aadhaar offers several benefits to the residents of India, such as:
- It provides a universal and portable identity proof that can be used across the country for accessing various services and benefits.
- It enables the residents to avail various government schemes and subsidies directly into their bank accounts through Aadhaar-enabled payment systems.
- It facilitates the delivery of various social welfare programs such as LPG subsidy, MGNREGA wages, pensions, scholarships, etc.
- It enhances the efficiency and transparency of various service delivery systems and reduces corruption and leakages.
- It empowers the residents to access various digital platforms and services such as e-signature, e-NACH, DigiLocker, etc.
- It promotes financial inclusion and digital literacy among the residents, especially the marginalized and underprivileged sections.
Aadhaar is a voluntary and Aadhaar holder driven system that respects the privacy and security of the residents’ data. The UIDAI has implemented various safeguards and measures to ensure that the Aadhaar data is protected from unauthorized access or misuse.
The residents can also control which data they want to share and with whom through various features such as VID, masked Aadhaar, lock/unlock biometrics, etc. The residents can also update or correct their Aadhaar data online or offline through various channels.
Aadhaar is a simple, fast, and secure way of establishing one’s identity and address proof using Aadhaar. It can help in enhancing the quality of life of the residents and achieving the vision of Digital India. For more information on Aadhaar, please visit uidai.gov.in or myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in.
