Table of Contents
Aadhaar is mainly used by the government for the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) program. This program connects various public subsidies and unemployment benefits like MGNREGA and LPG to Aadhaar for verification purposes. Under these schemes, the government directly deposits the subsidy funds into a bank account linked to the individual’s Aadhaar. To learn more about Aadhaar cards, keep reading.
In this blog, we will provide comprehensive information about Aadhaar, including a step-by-step guide on how to apply for an Aadhaar card and update your Aadhaar details online. Additionally, we will address frequently asked questions related to Aadhaar.
The Aadhaar system has registered 1.3 billion people in India, giving each person a special ID number. This has transformed how we check who we are, with a convenient online way to prove our identity.
Aadhaar: Understanding the Aadhaar System
Aadhaar is a unique identification system in India that provides individuals with a 12-digit unique identification number, known as Aadhaar number. This system was introduced to help people easily prove their identity and access various government services. It’s like a digital ID card that includes your biometric and demographic information, such as fingerprints and iris scans, making it highly secure and reliable. Aadhaar has become essential for various activities, from opening bank accounts to receiving government subsidies, and it plays a significant role in streamlining administrative processes in India.
What are the benefits and silent features of the Aadhaar?
Key Features and Benefits of Aadhaar:
- Uniqueness: You only need to enroll for Aadhaar once, and the system ensures that only one Aadhaar number is generated for each person. If someone tries to enroll multiple times, the system rejects the duplicates. This is done by comparing the person’s demographic and biometric information with the existing database.
- Portability: Aadhaar offers nationwide portability, allowing it to be authenticated online from anywhere. This is especially useful for people who move from one state to another or from rural to urban areas.
- Random Number: Aadhaar numbers are assigned randomly and do not contain any information about a person’s caste, religion, income, health, or geography.
- Scalable Technology: The Aadhaar Authentication service is designed to handle up to 100 million authentications daily. Resident data is stored centrally, and authentication can be performed online from anywhere in India. The system’s architecture is open and scalable to accommodate future growth.
- Open Source Technologies: Aadhaar’s architecture is built on open-source technologies, eliminating the need for specific hardware, storage, operating systems, or database vendors. It can adapt to various hardware and technologies, ensuring flexibility and vendor neutrality.
Aadhaar is a unique identification system that provides portability, privacy, scalability, and flexibility through its open-source architecture. It ensures that each individual is assigned a random and unique Aadhaar number, making it a powerful tool for various government and private sector services.
Aadhaar Eligibility: Three Enrollment Methods
- Document-Based Enrollment: To enroll for Aadhaar, you need to provide one valid Proof of Identity (PoI) document and one valid Proof of Address (PoA) document.
- Head of Family (HoF)-Based Enrollment: If you’re the head of your family, you can introduce your family members for Aadhaar by providing documents that establish the Proof of Relationship (PoR).
- Introducer-Based Enrollment: In cases where you don’t have valid PoI and PoA documents, you can use an introducer’s service. An introducer is a person appointed by the Registrar and must have a valid Aadhaar number.
Here’s how it works:
– Visit an enrollment center and fill in your personal details in the enrollment form.
– Your photo, fingerprints, and iris scan will be taken during the process.
– You can review and make corrections to your details at the enrollment center.
– You’ll receive an acknowledgment slip with your enrollment number and other information.
– Any necessary corrections can be made within 96 hours of enrollment at the center.
– Remember, you only need to enroll once, as multiple enrollments may lead to rejections unless advised otherwise by UIDAI.
– The waiting time for your Aadhaar card can range from 60 to 90 days after the resident data is received in the CIDR database.
How to Enroll for Aadhaar?
To enroll for Aadhaar, follow these simple steps:
- Visit a nearby Aadhaar enrolment center.
- Fill out the necessary form and provide your address proof along with other required documents.
- Get your biometric and demographic data recorded.
- Receive an acknowledgement slip with your enrolment ID.
The UIDAI provides complete information about enrolment centers, and residents can easily access these details online.
How is Aadhaar useful?
Aadhaar plays a vital role in improving the distribution of social welfare programs aimed at helping the underprivileged in society.
It benefits the government and service providers in several ways. Firstly, it provides precise information about the beneficiaries, ensuring that assistance reaches the right people. Additionally, it enables the implementation of direct benefit programs, streamlining the delivery of services. Moreover, it facilitates coordination and optimization of different schemes by government departments and service providers.
Aadhaar simplifies the process of delivering social welfare, making it more efficient and effective for both the government and service providers.
Example
This system prevents wastage and makes sure that services reach the right people. This includes giving discounted food and kerosene to those in need through the Public Distribution System (PDS), tracking work attendance for those in the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), and more.
So, how does this benefit residents?
It offers a handy way to prove your identity. With digital IDs, you can verify who you are using Aadhaar online, no matter where you are. This helps millions of people who move from one place to another in the country.
How can I efficiently modify my Aadhaar information through the online portal?
Updating your Aadhaar details is essential to ensure your information is accurate and up to date. There are two main types of updates you might need:
- Mobile Number Update
– To change your registered mobile number, visit a Permanent Enrolment Centre if you don’t have one registered.
– Keeping your mobile number updated is crucial for accessing government and non-government services.
- Demographic Data Update
– You can update information like your name, address, date of birth, gender, mobile number, email address, relationship status, and consent for information sharing.
– Reasons for updates include life events (e.g., marriage, death), personal changes, or errors during enrollment.
– If you need your Aadhaar information in a different language, you can also request this update.
- Biometric Data Update
– Biometric data includes iris scans, fingerprints, and facial photographs.
– Updates are required for age groups: 5-15 years, 15 years and above, and every 10 years as recommended by UIDAI.
– In cases of accidents or diseases affecting biometrics, updates may be necessary.
To update your Aadhaar data, you have two options
- Visit an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre: For in-person updates, go to a nearby Aadhaar Enrolment Centre.
- Use the UIDAI Website:Alternatively, you can update your Aadhaar data online by visiting the UIDAI website.
Regularly updating your Aadhaar information ensures its accuracy and helps you access various services seamlessly.
Conclusion
Aadhaar is a vital digital identity system in India, offering a 12-digit unique ID for easy access to government services. It has unique features like uniqueness, portability, and scalability. Enrollment can be document-based, head of family-based, or introducer-based. Aadhaar enhances the distribution of welfare programs and simplifies identity verification. Residents can update their details through an enrollment center or the UIDAI website, ensuring accurate information. Overall, Aadhaar revolutionizes identity management and social welfare in India.
Aadhaar Card FAQs
How can one collect Aadhaar card once it’s issued
Once your Aadhaar card is issued, it will be sent to the address you provided during registration via mail.
Can a person apply for an Aadhaar card online?
No, the Aadhaar card application process requires providing biometric data, so you must visit the nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre in person to complete the process.
What is the validity of the Aadhaar card?
Your Aadhaar card is valid for a lifetime.
Can a person have more than one Aadhaar Card?
No, individuals are allowed to possess only one Aadhaar card.
Several media houses reported that Aadhaar data was breached. Is it true?
Reports of Aadhaar data breaches are typically the result of misreporting. The UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) takes extensive measures to secure your data, using advanced technologies that are regularly updated to counter emerging security threats. Over the last 7 years, the Aadhaar database has never been breached, ensuring the safety and security of your personal information.
Can I update my Aadhaar card online?
Yes, you can update your Aadhaar card online by visiting the official UIDAI website and following the instructions.
Do I have to update my Aadhar card?
It's not mandatory, but it's important to keep your Aadhaar card updated with accurate information to avoid any issues.
How to apply plastic Aadhaar card online?
You can't apply for a plastic Aadhaar card online, but you can order one after updating your Aadhaar details on the official UIDAI website.
What are the 4 types of Aadhar card?
The four types of Aadhaar cards are Aadhaar Letter, e-Aadhaar, Masked Aadhaar, and Aadhaar PVC Card.
How many times can Aadhaar address be changed?
You can change your Aadhaar address as many times as needed, but you must provide valid supporting documents each time.
What are the 3 types of Aadhar card?
There are three types of Aadhar cards: Aadhaar Letter, e-Aadhaar, and Aadhaar PVC Card.