Nature has created uniqueness among all individuals. No two persons are same be it their features or even fingerprints. Thus, it is only reasonable that every person have some kind of an identification that will help in distinguishing him from the rest. Individual identification system is, therefore, popular in many nations. Take for example, the United States of America, where it is referred to as the Social Security Number. This unique code is a nine-digit number that is issued to both the permanent citizens of the United States as well as the temporary citizens who are working in the United States. India, as a boost to its development efforts, also adopted this identification concept and so the Aadhaar Card came into existence.
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) was created and tasked with the work of developing and issuing the Aadhaar Card. The agency was established by the Government of India in January 2009 and it operates under the central government. The sole purpose of United Identification Authority of India is to collect both the biometric as well as the demographic details of every Indian Citizen. After the data is collected, it is stored in a centralized database system called the UID Database. The main data centre of the Unique Identification Authority of India where the assignment of UIDAI Aadhaar, UIDAI card, UIDAI Aadhaar card or in short UID card to any resident takes place is situated at the Industrial Model Township (IMT) in Manesar in the state of Haryana. The UIDAI then simultaneously issues the twelve digit identity number or the UID card to the Indian resident. This is how the Aadhaar Card is issued. The project boasts of being the largest national identification number project in the entire world! You can get more information on Aadhaar at Paisabazaar.
What is an Aadhar Card?
Aadhaar Card is a card bearing an Aadhaar Number. It is a unique 12-digit number allotted to each individual who opts for the card. The UID Aadhaar is the number that contains the collected biometric and demographic data and details of the residing citizens. Any citizen who resides in India, and fulfils all the criteria mentioned by the UIDAI irrespective of their caste, creed, region, religion or colour can put forward their enrolment for the Aadhaar card India number. Applying and consequently availing the Aadhar Card is voluntary. It is not mandatory on the part of any Indian citizen to opt for this card. It solely depends on the personal choice of the individual whether he wishes to avail the UID Aadhar card number or not. However, the Aadhaar Card has a host of benefits which is why every individual willingly opts for the enrolment. The card is thus, gaining popularity since the time it was first launched on 28 January 2009. So, what are the benefits? Read on–
Aadhaar number is a unique identification number that enables each individual to have a unique identification. The Aadhaar Card has many benefits that can be enjoyed by the citizens residing in India once they decide to enrol for the same. Though Aadhaar card registration is not compulsory, still people need to apply for Aadhaar card and the importance to get the card is felt by each and every one. Most of the banking schemes and income tax related forms need Aadhaar details to be furnished. Let us have a look at the various benefits and advantages of Aadhar Card application in India:
1. Identity CardAadhaar has become one of the most trusted and reliable identity cards. It not only has the photograph of the card holder but also contains his biometric details like fingerprints and iris image. Aadhaar card also contains the QR code that can be scanned to verify whether the details mentioned in the card are correct or not. This makes Aadhaar all the more important identification proof.
2. Proof of ResidenceAadhar card contains the permanent residential address of the card holder. It can thus be used as a proof of residence in almost all governmental as well as non-governmental verification processes.
3. Government SubsidyThe government has made it compulsory for people to link their bank accounts with Aadhaar to avail subsidies under different schemes. Schemes such as Pahal, Atal Pension Yojna, kerosene subsidy, school subsidy, food subsidies and others mandatorily need Aadhaar to be furnished to get the subsidy directly in the bank account.
4. Bank AccountsAadhaar has become a primary requirement for opening bank account these days. Most banks need only Aadhaar card to open the bank account of the applicant. Jan Dhan accounts also need Aadhaar of the applicant. You can also apply for savings account at Paisabazaar.com using your Aadhaar.
5. Income TaxThe Income Tax Department has made it compulsory for taxpayers to link their Aadhaar with PAN. Aadhaar would now mandatorily be required while paying income tax and filing returns.
6. Phone ConnectionAlmost all telecom companies provide phone connections after accepting Aadhaar as the only proof. Once Aadhaar is furnished, the connection gets activated in least possible time.
7. Gas Connection
People have to provide their Aadhaar for getting a new gas connection. In case they want to avail subsidy on their present gas connection, they will have to fill the KYC form and link Aadhar with their bank account to get subsidy directly in their account under the Pahal (DBTL) scheme.
Aadhaar number is a unique number that stores all the details of a person. Let us find out more about Aadhaar number below:
What is an Aadhaar Number?
The Aadhaar number consists of a unique 12 digit number. This unique number will be active for the lifetime of an individual. Alpha-numeric numbers are not used in order to make it easy for even minimally literate people to read and remember.
Format of the Number
The first eleven digits are generated randomly. The twelfth digit is the checksum value of the randomly generated 11 digits which is generated using the Verhoeff’s algorithm. The first digit contains 2 to 9 currently. Digits 0 and 1 are kept for future use.
Details of the Aadhaar Card
The Aadhaar card contains a number of details in itself. Some details are mentioned on the card whereas others are stored in Aadhaar’s database and can be accessed through proper channels. Details mentioned on the card:
- Date of Birth
- Aadhaar Number
- Permanent Address
- QR code representing the Aadhaar number
- Bar code
- Iris scan
Aadhaar was brought into effect to help people residing in India to have a document that can be used for various purposes. It is more than just an identification number. However, it is also not the case that only Indians can apply for Aadhaar. The eligibility criteria for Aadhaar are not so complex.
A person can apply for Aadhaar if:
- He/she is an Indian Citizen residing in India, or
- He/she is a non-resident Indian residing outside India, or
- He/she is a non-resident Indian residing in India, or
- He/she is a foreigner residing in India.
- He/she is a child above three years of age.
Aadhar card for Resident Indians
Every Indian citizen can apply for Aadhaar and get the number. The government has now made it mandatory for taxpayers to link their PAN with Aadhaar while filing their income tax returns.
Aadhar Card for Minors
Unlike voter identification card, Aadhaar can be opened for minors. They have to furnish the birth certificate along with the proof of identity and address of parents. Minors can be enrolled as soon as they become 1 year old. However, they have to update their biometric data as soon as they turn 15 years old.
Aadhaar for NRIs
Non-resident Indians can apply for Aadhaar as well and participate in India’s system. They can also avail different Aadhaar-linked facilities for NRIs.
Aadhaar for Foreigners
Aadhaar is not a proof of citizenship for India. It just contains various details necessary to identify a person. Thus, people, who are residing in India even though they have the citizenship of another country, can apply for Aadhaar and get the document to avail various facilities. Thus it is quite clear now that anyone who lives in India can apply for Aadhaar.
As we are fully aware of the meaning and advantages of Aadhaar Card, we can understand the need and importance of holding the same. So the next question arises - how to get the Aadhaar card? There is a systematic protocol and a step by step process which needs to be followed to apply for an Aadhaar Card. The applicant is required to give the Aadhaar card information and when such information is verified, a new Aadhaar card is issued. This Aadhaar card enrolment process is very necessary if you are to check the Aadhaar enrolment status. Let us have a look at the application process of this Aadhaar Card step by step:
- Aadhaar Enrolment Centre- At first, if the individual wishes to apply for the Aadhaar card, he needs to check for the Aadhaar card centre. He would have to locate and then go to the Aadhaar enrolment centre that is authorised by the UIDAI. One can locate the centre online using the portal of UIDAI. The individual is then supposed to carry his identity proof and the proof of the address where he is residing when he visits the authorized centre.
- Fill the form- In the authorised centre, a form is available for enrolling for the card. The form is free of any charge and the individual is required to fill up the entire form. This form is also available on the internet so the individual can also download that form from the internet and can easily fill it out online. After filling it online, it is advisable to download that online form and take the print out of the same and then submit it at the authorized centre in order to save time.
- Photograph and Biometric Data Collection- After the form is submitted, the process of enrolment takes place. In this method, the photo, fingerprint scan and retina scan of the individual is taken. During the enrolment procedure, it is of utmost importance that the individual should double-check all the provided details in the form and make any rectifications if an error is found.
- Acknowledgement Slip- After enrolment, the applicant receives an acknowledgement slip that works till the time the individual receives the original Aadhaar Card copy.
- Issue of Aadhaar Card- Before issuing the original Aadhaar Card, all the data provided by the individual is verified through the central government agency UIDAI, and only upon proper verification, the Aadhaar Card is issued to the individual.
Dispatch of Aadhaar to the Address of the applicant- If the verification process is successful, the citizen initially receives an SMS or a notification through an email. Then, after a few days’ time, the Aadhaar number gets printed on the Aadhaar Card of the individual and is sent to their verified residing address through post.
- Passport of the applicant.
- PAN card.
- Ration card or PDS Photo Card.
- Voter Identification Card.
- Driving licence
- NREGS Jobs Card.
- Photo Bank ATM Card.
- Voter identification card.
- Certificate of birth of the applicant.
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) was set up to provide unique identity to each and every individual residing in India which could be verified online and would be hard to duplicate and forge. UIDAI came up with Aadhaar which has now become a centre point of most of the government schemes.
How to apply for Aadhaar card?
People very often get confused about how to apply for Aadhar card. They can apply for Aadhaar card by visiting any of the Aadhaar enrolment centres. They have to fill a form and submit required documents and biometric data to complete their enrolment procedure. To know how to apply an Aadhar card and process.
How to book an appointment for Aadhaar enrolment?
People have to visit Aadhaar Enrolment Centres to initiate the process of Aadhaar. However, in order to facilitate the process and make it convenient for applicants, UIDAI has provided the facility to book an appointment for Aadhar enrolment. This facility saves people from long queues and helps them save a lot of time.
Aadhaar card correction and enrolment form
Applicants have to fill the form if they want to enrol for Aadhaar or they want to make corrections in their existing Aadhar. The duly filled Aadhaar card correction and enrolment form should be submitted to process the request.
How to update Aadhaar card details?
There may be circumstances when some details might have been mistakenly filled and that are not correct. Errors may also occur while updating the details in the database. People can update Aadhaar card details online as well as by visiting a nearby Aadhar Enrolment Centre.
How to check Aadhaar status?
Once the enrolment process is complete, the applicant is handed over the acknowledgement slip which contains the enrolment number. Using this number, the applicant can check Aadhar card status whether it is generated, dispatched or is still being processed.
How to check Aadhaar card update or correction status?
Aadhaar details may sometimes be wrong or may need updation. Sometimes there might be a condition that the name or date of birth mentioned on the card is incorrect. People can get these details corrected. But the process takes some time. In order to check Aadhar card update or correction status, you can visit the UIDAI website.
How to get a duplicate Aadhar card?
There may be conditions when Aadhaar card of a person might be misplaced or lost. In order to get a duplicate Aadhar card, you can call a toll free number 1800-180-1947 and follow the IVR. Also, you can download e-Aadhaar from UIDAI’s website and print it to use it in place of Aadhaar.
What to do if Aadhar card is not received?
In case you check the status of Aadhaar on the website and find that it has been dispatched but the Aadhaar card is not received at your end, you can download the e-Aadhaar from UIDAI’s website using your enrolment number or you can place a request for sending the Aadhaar card again.
What are the documents required for an Aadhar card?
There are no specific requirements to get the Aadhar card. Hence, only a couple of documents required for that approve your identity and residence needs to be submitted at the time of enrolment. In case of minors, parents have to submit their identity proof and proof of residence to authenticate their child’s details.
A. Whenever you file a request for updation or correction of details in your Aadhaar online, an Update Request Number (URN) is provided to the applicant after successful submission of the application. You can use this URN to track the updation process.
Q. What are Aadhaar authentication and its benefits?
A. Aadhaar authentication is the process of the verification of demographic, biometric and other information submitted to the authorities at the time of enrolment. The benefit of authenticated Aadhaar is that it helps in establishing identity, improving efficiency and transparency in service delivery, demographic and address verification in future.
Q. When do I need to authenticate Aadhaar?
A. People are expected to link their bank accounts with Aadhaar for the verification of identity under different schemes like PDS, NREGA, etc. Beneficiaries are required to authenticate Aadhaar either at the time of applying for such schemes or at the time of availing benefits.
Q. From where can I authenticate Aadhaar?
A. The request to authenticate Aadhaar can be placed at the point of service delivery by various agencies. Some of these are self-service kiosks whereas others are operator-managed. Examples of such authentication points are FPS shops, bank terminals, NREGA centres, etc.
Q. Can a US citizen apply for Aadhar card?
A. If the concerned US citizen resides in India, he can apply for an Aadhar card. But the card can be used only in India and should not be considered as the proof of Indian citizenship.
How can I know if my Aadhaar number is linked with my bank account?
A. UIDAI has provided a facility to check whether a bank account is linked with Aadhaar or not. Users can visit https://resident.uidai.gov.in/bank-mapper and login using their Aadhaar number and OTP to check the linkage.
Q. My mobile number is not registered in Aadhaar, how I can get my mobile number updated in Aadhaar?
A. In order to get your mobile number linked with Aadhaar, you have to visit one of the Aadhaar Enrolment Centres and submit a request for mobile phone updation. Once the request is submitted, the mobile number will be liked with Aadhaar.
Q. How can I know if my update request has been processed?
A. Whenever a person files an updation request, he gets a URN after successful submission of the form. He can track the request with the help of this URN.
Q. Is it necessary to link bank account with Aadhaar?
A. The Government of India has made it compulsory for everybody to link their bank accounts with Aadhaar latest by 31st December 2017. Those accounts that will not be linked with Aadhaar after this deadline will be frozen until the account is linked with Aadhaar.
Q. Is there any fee charged by UIDAI for enrolment for Aadhaar card?
A. No fee is charged by UIDAI for Aadhaar enrolment process. Also, availing original as well as duplicate Aadhaar card is free of cost.
Q. Can I e-file a tax return without Aadhaar?
A. E-filing a tax return without Aadhaar is not possible according to the current norms. The government has made it mandatory to link PAN and Aadhaar. In case PAN and Aadhaar are not linked, the e-filing of return would not be processed.
Q. I am not in India and I don't have Aadhar card. Can I apply for Aadhaar card from outside India?
A. Foreign citizens can apply for Aadhaar only when they reside in India. Those foreigners who do not reside in India cannot apply for Aadhaar as it is mandatory to provide biometric details at one of the Aadhaar Enrolment Centres.
[Also read about: PAN Card]