Unique Identification Authority and Identity (UIDAI)


As the most trusted ID, Aadhaar has provided India with a reliable perspective of identification in order to empower the entire populace individually in such a way that no one is left behind on the path of development. It is the best technology for the transparent and targeted delivery of services, benefits, and subsidies with limited resources and no middlemen.

Aadhaar inspires more trust and confidence between people and systems, and vice versa, than any other identity document in India. In just over a decade, almost every sixth person in the world has obtained an Aadhaar card. Aadhaar promotes distributive justice, which strengthens democracy and equality.

What exactly is UIDAI?

The UIDAI was established by the Indian government in 2016 through the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits, and Services) Act. The UIDAI is in charge of compiling and maintaining data on the biometrics and demographics of Indian residents in order to issue Aadhaar cards. The UIDAI is an independent authority that falls under the purview of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

Objectives of UIDAI

UIDAI was established with the objective of issuing Unique Identification (UID) numbers known as "Aadhaar" to all Indian residents that −

  • Are robust enough to eliminate duplicate and fake identities and,

  • Can be verified and authenticated anytime, anywhere in an easy and cost-effective manner.

Mission

  • To ensure good governance, and efficient, transparent, and targeted delivery of subsidies, benefits, and services from the Consolidated Fund of India to individuals residing in India by assigning unique identity numbers.

  • To create a policy, process, and system for issuing Aadhaar numbers to Indian citizens who request them by providing their biometric data and demographic data during the enrollment process.

  • To create policies, procedures, and systems for Aadhaar cardholders to update and authenticate their digital identities.

  • Ensure the technology infrastructure's availability, scalability, and resilience.

  • Develop a long-term, sustainable organization to carry forward UIDAI's vision and values.

  • To ensure the security and confidentiality of individuals' identity information and authentication records.

  • To ensure that all individuals and organizations follow the Aadhaar Act in letter and spirit.

  • To make regulations and rules in accordance with the Aadhaar Act in order to carry out the provisions of the Aadhaar Act.

What is Aadhaar?

Aadhaar is a unique identification number issued to Indian citizens. It is a 12-digit number that is associated with an individual's biometric and demographic information, such as their name, age, gender, address, and photograph. Aadhaar is used to identify citizens for a variety of government programs, including subsidies and welfare programs.

Features and Benefits of Aadhaar

  • One Aadhaar − One beneficiary: Aadhaar is a unique number, and no resident can have two because it is linked to their individual biometrics, identifying fake and ghost identities that cause leakages today. Governments will be able to increase benefits for eligible citizens by using savings from removing duplicates and fakes from identification based on the Aadhaar system.

  • Portability − Aadhaar is a universal number, and agencies and services can use it to contact the central Unique Identification database from anywhere in the country to confirm a beneficiary's identity.

  • Inclusion of those without any existing identity documents − Benefits can be difficult to obtain for many poor and marginalized residents because they lack the identification documents required to receive state benefits. The 'Introducer' system, which has been approved for UIDAI data verification, will assist these residents in proving their identity.

  • Electronic benefit transfers − In addition to providing a secure and affordable platform to directly remit benefits to residents without the high costs currently associated with benefit distribution, the UID-enabled-Bank-Account network will also help to stop leaks in the current system.

  • Aadhaar-based authentication to confirm entitlement delivered to the beneficiary − The UIDAI will provide online authentication services for organizations that want to confirm a resident's identity; this service will allow verification that the entitlement actually reaches the intended beneficiary.

  • Improved services through increased transparency − Access and quality of entitlements for beneficiaries and the agency would both be significantly improved by clear accountability and transparent monitoring.

  • Self-service puts residents in control − Residents should be able to access current information about their entitlements, request services, and address their complaints directly from their mobile phones, kiosks, or other means using Aadhaar as an authentication mechanism. Security is ensured when a resident uses self-service on their mobile device by using two-factor authentication (i.e., by demonstrating that they have both their registered mobile number and knowledge of their Aadhaar PIN). These requirements are in line with the Mobile Banking and Payments Standards approved by the Reserve Bank of India.

Conclusion

A unique identification infrastructure for Indian citizens has been made possible thanks in large part to the Unique Identification Authority of India and the Aadhaar program. Although concerns about privacy and data misuse persist, the program's advantages in terms of enhancing the provision of government services cannot be disregarded. The UIDAI must keep addressing these issues and make sure the Aadhaar program operates responsibly and transparently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is an Aadhaar number?

Ans. An Aadhaar number is a 12-digit unique identification number that is issued by the UIDAI to residents of India.

Q2. Who is eligible to apply for an Aadhaar number?

Ans. Any resident of India, including children and infants, can apply for an Aadhaar number.

Q3. Can Aadhaar be used as proof of citizenship?

Ans. No, Aadhaar is not proof of citizenship. It is simply a unique identification number that is issued to residents of India.

Q4. Can Aadhaar be used outside India?

Ans. No, Aadhaar is only intended for use within India and is not recognized as a valid form of identification outside of India.

Updated on: 11-May-2023

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