Why does India need Aadhar Card – UID?

Does India Need Aadhaar Card?

You might already possess documents like Pan Card, passport, driver’s licence, etc. which help you in identification. So why do you need an additional document like the aadhar card?And what are the  benefits of aadhar card

What is an aadhaar card?

The Aadhaar card is a unique identification number which is connected with fingerprints and iris scan of the cardholder. UIDAI issues the aadhar card. It functions as a proof of identity and not of citizenship.

The code on the card is a 12-digit unique number which the UIDAI assigns to Indian citizens after they complete the verification process. Indian residents may voluntarily enrol to acquire an Aadhaar card regardless of their age, gender, religion, etc..

 So, Why was the Aadhaar card introduced in India?

National databases can prove to be quite helpful in increasing the efficiency of administration. In India, there were several means of verifying identity, for eg., electoral identity card, income-tax PAN card, passport, ration card, driving license, etc. But they weren’t capable to handle a large population such as India’s.

The concept behind Aadhaar was to formulate a centralized system for India with one form of recognizable ID. Thus, reducing the use of birth certificates and ration cards which were prone to loss and damage. The old system also left marginalized people especially the rural poor struggling to obtain state services. Thus, the aadhaar card scheme was started in 2010 by the then PM Dr Manmohan Singh.

The basic intention of the card is the identification of citizens and giving them the terminal benefits of the government schemes.

Additionally,  people can use the aadhar card pan India as an identity card. They can also link it with bank accounts, insurance, and pension.

In the ruling of 2018, the Supreme court states that “Unique identification proof empowers and gives identity to marginalised sections of society.”

What is the importance of Aadhar Card?

• According to Nandan Nilekani, the first UIDAI chairman, Aadhar card has helped the Government save about USD 9 billion. The unique aadhar number eliminates fakes and duplicates from the beneficiary and employee list. This helps in eliminating frauds in the financial distribution system.
• The use of biometrics gives a unique identity to every citizen of India.
• Another benefits of aadhar card is that people can use the Aadhar card instead of multiple documents for official work.
• The ‘Jhan Dhan Yojana,’ scheme, uses Aadhar as the main document evidence, to open up a bank account.
• Aadhar card also allows the holder to avail of all government subsidies that they are eligible for.
• With the use of an Aadhar Card, the process of acquiring a passport can be now speeded up. People can apply online for passports by simply attaching their Aadhaar Card as the residence and identity proof along with their application instead of uploading multiple documents.
• People can now get their pension without leaving the comforts of their homes. As agencies can obtain their details through their Aadhar Card numbers.
• Individuals who link the Aadhaar number to their LPG ID can avail the LPG subsidy directly in their respective bank accounts.

These benefits establish the importance of aadhar card. Thus, India needs an Aadhar card.