A Comprehensive Guide to Aadhaar: Everything You Need to Know
Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique number which is used to identify Indian citizens by the govt of india . It is the largest biometric identification system in the world, with over 1.2 billion registered users. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about Aadhaar, from its inception to its benefits and criticisms.
Table of Contents
What is Aadhaar?
The History of Aadhaar
How to Apply for Aadhaar
The Aadhaar Enrollment Process
The Aadhaar Verification Process
The Benefits of Aadhaar
The Criticisms of Aadhaar
The Future of Aadhaar
How to Update Aadhaar Details
Frequently Asked Questions about Aadhaar
Conclusion
1. What is Aadhaar?
Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identification number issued to Indian citizens by the Indian government. It is a centralised and standardised identity system that verifies and authenticates the identity of Indian citizens. Aadhaar is linked to an individual’s biometric and demographic data, including fingerprints, iris scans, and photographs.
2. The History of Aadhaar
The concept of Aadhaar was first introduced in 2006 by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). The project aimed to provide every Indian citizen with a unique identification number that could be used for multiple purposes, such as opening bank accounts, getting a SIM card, and receiving government subsidies.
The Aadhaar Act was passed by the Indian Parliament in 2016, which made it mandatory for every Indian citizen to obtain an Aadhaar card. The Aadhaar project was officially launched in 2010, and since then, over 1.2 billion Indians have been enrolled in the program.
3. How to Apply for Aadhaar
To apply for Aadhaar, Indian citizens can visit an Aadhaar enrollment centre or book an appointment online. The process is free of cost and requires the individual to provide their biometric and demographic data, such as their name, date of birth, address, and fingerprints.
4. The Aadhaar Enrollment Process
The Aadhaar enrollment process is a simple four-step process. Firstly, the individual must fill out an enrollment form with their biometric and demographic data. Secondly, the individual’s photograph is taken. Thirdly, the individual’s fingerprints and iris scans are captured. Lastly, the individual receives an acknowledgement slip with their enrollment ID number.
5. The Aadhaar Verification Process
The Aadhaar verification process is used to verify the authenticity of an individual’s Aadhaar number. It involves the use of biometric and demographic data to authenticate an individual’s identity. The verification process is mandatory for certain government schemes and services, such as opening a bank account, filing income tax returns, and receiving government subsidies.
6. The Benefits of Aadhaar
Aadhaar has numerous benefits, such as:
Streamlining government subsidies and benefits
Reducing fraud and corruption
Enabling financial inclusion
Providing a standardised identification system
Facilitating ease of doing business
7. The Criticisms of Aadhaar
Aadhaar has also faced criticism, such as:
Violation of privacy and data protection
Exclusion of certain groups from government schemes and services
Possibility of identity theft and fraud
Lack of transparency and accountability
8. The Future of Aadhaar
The future of Aadhaar looks promising, with the Indian government planning to use Aadhaar for various purposes, such as linking it to the voter ID card and passport. However, the government also needs to address the criticisms and concerns surrounding Aad
