India is the second most populous country in the world, and hence the logistics related to maintaining records of these citizens is quite a tricky business. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) manages this colossal task and hence handles the responsibility of providing crores of people with their 12 digit passcode. This code acts more like a digital footprint and is a unique code that differentiates you from your neighbour. These digits to allow the government to access all information regarding you and your household. Here’s a look at everything you need to know about these random digits that help with precise identification.

Scenario Elsewhere

Countries like the US have a social security system that gives each individual a unique number that helps in geotagging and identifying them. While India took a while to catch up to such developed nations with regard to social initiatives, slowly we are starting to see that the shift is taking place. India’s UIDAI was set up in 2009, under the Ministry of Information Technology to provide each of us with an “Aadhaar” card that would serve as our social security number.

History

The first Aadhar was issued to a Maharashtrian on 29th September 2010, and nine years later the concept has grown to cover over 120 crore individuals. This technology helps in eliminating the risk of identity theft and also helps the government keep track of criminals and degenerates and therefore helps in providing the citizens with better safety and security. The authority collects data regarding each individual and also their biometric and demographic information to compile and print the Aadhar card.

Present

Aadhaar has now expanded and evolved to become the largest and most extensive biometric system in the world and functions as both a proof of residence and identity. But, the document does not serve as proof of citizenship. The Aadhaar Act was passed in the Lok Sabha in 2016 following which the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) was established.

The 12-digit number is provided to every Indian citizen and is hence a purely unique number that is never repeated. It is issued by the UIDAI and helps in ensuring transparent governance by helping to curb corruption. Due to its need and the benefits it provides, the government has made it mandatory for every Indian citizen to have an Aadhar card as most regulatory schemes are dished out on the basis of this card.

Basic Guidelines and Eligibility

1. 1. Anyone who lives in India for 182 days is deemed a resident and is hence eligible to apply for an Aadhar.
   2. Foreigners who have resided here for over a year may also apply.
   3. Individuals can only apply for the Aadhaar only once in their lifetime.
   4. A Blue Colour Aadhaar called Bal Aadhaar is issued for children below the age of five.
   5. Beyond five years, children have to provide their biometric details and get a regular card by applying to their nearest Centre.

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Benefits

• Required to procure government schemes
• Mandatory to obtain government subsidies
• Functions as both as proof of identity and address
• Prevents illegal practices
• Prevents identity theft
• Filing tax returns requires you to link your PAN card with your Aadhaar card.
• Receive refunds faster
• Allows you to open a bank account online
• Helps restrict the flow of black money within the country
• It is used as a photo identity for competitive exams and as verification for entry into private and public companies.
• To obtain LPG Subsidy faster
• Faster passport renewals and issuing
• Prevents duplicate vehicle registrations as the Aadhaar is linked to the license issued by the Motor Vehicle Department
• Mandatory to do KYC if you want to invest in mutual funds
• Prevents frauds related to payment of pension
• Makes it easier to withdraw provident funds

Card Details

While some details are printed on the card, some of the data is encrypted onto a QR code and may be accessed by authorised personnel only. Here’s a list of details that will appear on the card.

1. Name
2. Date of Birth and hence the age
3. Card Number
4. Gender
5. Photograph
6. Address
7. The QR code contains the Fingerprints and IRIS Scan

Documents Required

Proof of Identity (Anyone) – ID that contains your photograph

1. Voter ID
2. Driving License
3. Ration Card
4. Bank ATM Card
5. Pensioner Photo Card
6. Passport
7. Certificate issued by a Gazetted Officer or Tehsildar on a signed letterhead 3*62

Proof of Address(Any 1)- ID that contains your address

1. Bank passbook
2. Tax receipt
3. Arms license
4. Passport
5. Marriage certificate
6. Gas Bill
7. Caste certificate

Proof of date of birth(Any 1) – ID that contains your date of birth

1. Pension Payment Order
2. Passport
3. PAN card
4. Birth Certificate
5. University mark sheets

Proof of relationship(Any 1)- ID that states your relationship to the head of the household

1. Passport
2. Marriage Certificate
3. Birth Certificate
4. Medical card

Status

To check the status of your card online:

• Visit the UIDAI website www.uidai.gov.in
• Click on Check Aadhaar Status
• Enter your 14-digit enrolment number
• Enter date and time in the prescribed format
• Enter the security code
• Click on ‘Check Status’

Through mobile verification

• Go to www.uidai.gov.in through your verified phone
• Enter your 12-digit UID number or email address
• Enter the security code
• Enter the OTP you received via your registered phone

You may also call on 1800-300-1947 for further assistance.