What is Aadhar – UID?

A billion people possess an Aadhar card. The majority of them still do not know everything about it or have misconceptions. This article covers everything you need to know about the Aadhar card.

So what is an Aadhar card?

UIDAI or Aadhar Card is a principal identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) on behalf of the Indian Government. The main objective of Aadhar is to establish a unique identity of every citizen. It acts as a proof of identity and address, and not of citizenship.
The card has 12-digit unique number issued to people on verification. Any individual, who is a resident of India, may voluntarily enroll to acquire an Aadhar card.
According to the official UIDAI website, “The Aadhaar identity platform is one of the key pillars of the ‘Digital India’, wherein every resident of the country is provided with a unique identity.” 

Why was the Aadhaar card introduced in India?`

In several countries such as Argentina,  Belgium, Colombia, Germany, Italy, Peru, and Spain etc., national identification systems have been implemented. While these schemes differ by country, generally people are assigned an ID number, which is used for a wide range of identification purposes. Storing data in a centralized database. These databases are helpful in increasing the efficiency of administration.
The electoral identity card, income-tax PAN card, passport, ration card, driving license, etc., verify identity in India. They can’t handle India’s large population. The aadhar card was introduced in 2010 by the then PM Dr Manmohan Singh.
The card is used as a nationally acceptable identity card and can be linked with bank accounts, insurance, and pension.

What are the benefits of Aadhar Card?

• According to the former UIDAI chairman, Nandan Nilekani, Aadhaar Card has helped save Indian government about USD 9 billion. Implementation of Unique Aadhar Number has resulted in reduced frauds. Eliminated fake duplicate beneficiaries from the employee list.
• The use of bio metrics gives a unique identity to every individual in India.
• The Aadhar card reduces the number of documents required as opposed to previous method of multiple document requirement.
• Aadhar is used as the main document to open a bank account in Prime Minister’s ‘Jhan Dhan Yojana,’ scheme.
• Aadhar card allows the holder to avail all the government subsidies that they are eligible for.
• It ordinarily takes several weeks for a person to complete all processes and avail a passport. An Aadhar Card fastens the process of acquiring passport. People can apply online and attach the soft copy of their Aadhar Card which serves as both, the residence and identity proof.
• The ‘Jeevan Pramaan for Pensioners’ scheme aims to eliminate the need for pensioners to be physically present to receive a pension. People can receive pension directly to their bank accounts. The agency can digitally access their details through Aadhar Card number.
• People who link their Aadhar card with their Pension Account can have their provident fund disbursed directly to their accounts via their PF organization.
• Individuals can also link the Aadhaar number to their LPG ID and avail the LPG subsidy directly in their respective bank accounts.

What was the supreme court ruling in 2018 about Aadhaar card?

In September 2018, the supreme court revoked several provisions of the Aadhaar card which could violate the privacy of Indian citizens.
The Supreme Court ruled that Aadhaar Act does not violate your right to privacy when you agree to share biometric data.

• Private companies can’t use Aadhar card for KYC authentication purposes.
• Most commercial banks, payments bank and e-wallet companies like Paytm, previously used to request customers to get their KYC (Know Your Customer) done using Aadhar Card. Any delay or failure to comply would result in blocking of services. After the ruling, they cannot seek Aadhar data. Customers have to comply with other KYC Criteria. Authentication of Aadhaar is not required for Account settings.
• To buy a new SIM card, you no longer need to provide your Aadhaar details to the telecom service provider. You can easily provide other KYC documents like Voter ID card, driving license, etc to acquire a new SIM card.
• Students of CBSE, NEET, UGC also do not need Aadhaar card to appear in examinations. Even schools cannot demand the Aadhar card for admissions.
• Aadhar card is mandatory to avail facilities of welfare schemes and subsidies but the Supreme Court has made an exemption for children, stating that no minor can be denied benefits of any scheme if they do not have Aadhaar card.

Where do you need Aadhaar compulsorily?

As mentioned above, the supreme court ruled that private companies cannot demand Aadhaar card details. But the judgement also states some areas where the Aadhaar card is mandatory.
PAN card: Under the section 139AA of the Income Tax Act, the linking of Aadhaar card with PAN card is mandatory. Tax evaders generally used to create multiple PAN cards to avoid income tax. By linking Aadhaar with PAN, multiple PAN cards become invalid.
Filing income tax returns (ITR): As Aadhaar-PAN linking is necessary, you will require the same for filing income tax returns.
Welfare schemes: Aadhaar is mandatory to avail benefits under various government-run social welfare schemes and subsidies.

Why you should register your mobile with Aadhaar?

There are various reasons for registering your mobile number with the Aadhar card. Use OTP through registered mobile number to avail facilities. This OTP gives the Aadhaar card an added layer of security. Register your mobile number with Aadhaar in simple and easy ways. Enjoy its facilities and benefits.
You can also download the mAadhaar app and carry your Aadhaar card on your phone once you have your mobile number registered with your Aadhaar.
Fee for Registering Your Mobile Number in Aadhaar
People have to pay a fee of 25 INR to take advantage of the service when they visit the Aadhaar Enrollment Center for either registering or updating their mobile number.
They will have to pay an additional 25 INR every time they update their mobile number. No fees for updating other details.
Documents Required to Register Your Mobile Number in Aadhaar.
Candidates do not have to submit any document for updating or registering their mobile number in Aadhaar. Only the Aadhaar update Form, that contains their current mobile number, has to be submitted along with the fee.

What is the password for e-aadhaar?

Aadhar Card is a unique ID. Used in financial and non-financial activities across India. e aadhar is advisable to download PDF format E-Aadhar from the UIDAI official website along with a . If you update your details on the Aadhaar card and do not receive the updated card, download the PDF of the Aadhar card after you receive an SMS  notifying you about the completion of the update.

Process of getting E Aadhar:

• Go to https://eaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/ and then enter your Aadhaar number.
• Receive an OTP on the number mentioned on your card.
• Get access to download your Aadhar card on entering OTP.
• Click and download it on your device. Since it is a PDF file, you can open it using your PDF reader, for example, Adobe Reader. You can also download the pdf version of the Aadhar card from your mobile phone using the UIDAI official Aadhaar app.
• To open the PDF, you will require a password without which you cannot access the file. The password ensures that your Aadhaar details are secure so that your E-aadhar card cannot be used by an unknown individual.
• The password is an 8 letter which is a combination of the first four letters of your name and your year of birth. For e.g. Suppose your name is RAMESH SINGH and your year of birth is 1976, then your password is RAME1979.