Aadhaar
Aadhaar is a 12 digit individual identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India on behalf of the Government of India.
This number will serve as a proof of identity and address, anywhere in India. Aadhaar letter received via India Post and e-Aadhaar downloaded from UIDAI website are equally valid.
Any individual, irrespective of age and gender, who is a resident in India and satisfies the verification process laid down by the UIDAI can enrol for Aadhaar.
Each individual needs to enroll only once which is free of cost.
Each Aadhaar number will be unique to an individual and will remain valid for life. Aadhaar number will help you provide access to services like banking, mobile phone connections and other Govt and Non-Govt services in due course.
Aadhaar is :
Easily verifiable in an online, cost-effective way
Unique and robust enough to eliminate the large number of duplicate and fake identities in government and private databases
A random number generated, devoid of any classification based on caste, creed, religion and geography
What Aadhaar is and what it is not
S.No | Aadhaar is | Aadhaar isn't |
1 | A 12-digit unique identity for every Indian individual, including children and infants | Just another card |
2 | Enables identification for every resident Indian | Only one Aadhaar card per family is enough |
3 | Establishes the uniqueness of every individual on the basis of demographic and biometric information | Collects profiling information such as caste, religion, and language |
4 | It is a voluntary service that every resident can avail irrespective of present documentation | Mandatory for every Indian resident who has identification documents |
5 | Each individual will be given a single unique Aadhaar ID number | An individual can obtain multiple Aadhaar ID numbers |
6 | Aadhaar will provide a universal identity infrastructure which can be used by any identity-based application (like ration card, passport, etc.) | Aadhaar will replace all other IDs |
7 | UIDAI will give Yes/No answers to any identity authentication queries | UIDAI information will be accessible to public and private agencies |
Unique features of Aadhaar
Universality, which is ensured because Aadhaar will over time be recognised and accepted across the country and across all service providers.
The number will consequently form the basic, universal identity infrastructure over which Registrars and Agencies across the country can build their identity-based applications.
Aadhaar will ensure increased trust between public and private agencies and residents. Once residents enroll for Aadhaar, service providers will no longer face the problem of performing repeated Know Your Customer (KYC) checks before providing services. They would no longer have to deny services to residents without identification documents. Residents would also be spared the trouble of repeatedly proving identity through documents each time they wish to access services such as obtaining a bank account, passport, driving license etc.
By providing a clear proof of identity, Aadhaar will empower poor and underprivileged residents in accessing services such as the formal banking system and give them the opportunity to easily avail various other services provided by the Government and the private sector.
The centralised technology infrastructure of the UIDAI will enable 'anytime, anywhere, anyhow' authentication. Aadhaar will thus give migrants mobility of identity.
Aadhaar authentication can be done both offline and online, online authentication through a cell phone or landline connection will allow residents to verify their identity remotely.
Remotely, online Aadhaar-linked identity verification will give poor and rural residents the same flexibility that urban non-poor residents presently have in verifying their identity and accessing services such as banking and retail.
Aadhaar will also demand proper verification prior to enrollment, while ensuring inclusion. To prevent duplicate entries, residents are enrolled into the database with proper verification of their demographic and biometric information. This will ensure that the data collected is clean from the beginning of the program. However, much of the poor and under-privileged population lack identity documents and Aadhaar may be the first form of identification they will have access to.
The UIDAI will ensure that its Know Your Resident (KYR) standards do not become a barrier for enrolling the poor and has accordingly developed an Introducer system for residents who lack documentation. Through this system, authorised individuals ('Introducers') who already have an Aadhaar, can introduce residents who don't have any identification documents, enabling them to receive their Aadhaar.
How is Aadhaar different from any other identity issued by the government?
Aadhaar is essentially a paperless online anytime-anywhere identity assigned to a resident to cover his/her entire lifetime. The verification of his identity is done online with the help of authentication devices which connect to UIDAI’s Central Identity Repository and return only a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ response to the basic query-“Is the person who he/she claims to be?” based on the data available with UIDAI.
The Aadhaar authentication service is fully functional and in use in several service delivery schemes across the country. The Aadhaar Card or the e-Aadhaar (electronic copy of Aadhaar) are essentially given to residents to know their own Aadhaar.
Why is it important to have Aadhaar
Aadhaar program was launched with a main objective to provide universal identity to every Indian resident. People can now get the card with much ease as its acceptance as a mandatory document for various initiatives has been officially made. In addition to this it will help in reducing the corruption since every individual carries only one unique number.
Considering the increasing acceptance of Aadhaar card it is a must for everyone to get it issued. It is believed that the card will further be given more importance as more and more government schemes are being launched requiring it as a mandatory document.
Most important benefits of Aadhaar
Listed below are the most important benefits of Aadhaar (12 digit unique identity number).
Aadhaar based Direct Benefit Transfer (LPG Subsidy) : The 12 digit individual identification number on Aadhar card is used to get LPG subsidy amount directly in the bank account. This DBTL scheme is named as PAHAL. To get this benefit you need to visit your area’s distributor and get Aadhar number linked to the 17 digit LPG consumer number. Although now you can get direct benefit transfer by linking bank account to the LPG number.
Jan Dhan Yojana : Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) accepts Aadhaar card/number as the only document sufficient to open the bank account. Although you can open PMJDY account after producing other documents as well. The benefits offered are RuPay card, free zero balance savings account, life and accident insurance and many others.
Passport in 10 days : This benefit of Aadhaar card will relieve you the most! If you have an Aadhaar card, you can get passport in just 10 days. Under this format, police verification will be done at a later date as opposed to the previous rule requiring police verification which used to be time consuming. Also under the new government’s rule, if you need a passport, Aadhaar number is compulsory.
Digital Locker : Government of India has launched digital locker (DigiLocker) system for everyone for storing all personal document on the government’s server. And sign-up process for DigiLocker requires person to link his/her 12 digit Aadhaar card number.
Voter Card Linking : Starting 9th March 2015, Aadhaar number has been linked to the voter ID’s. This action is taken to eliminate bogus voters. Once an Aadhaar number is linked, it would become impossible for a voter to have multiple voter ID cards. It's illegal use is also curbed, as registration requires voter ID card holder to be physically present and produce Aadhaar card to the polling booth officer for linking.
Monthly Pension : All the pensioners from select states will now have to register their Aadhaar card number to their respective department in order to receive monthly pension. This move was initiated to avoid fraudulent incidents of fake beneficiaries.
Provident Fund : Similar to pension, Employee Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) has also rolled out Aadhaar Based Online Claim Submission for PF account holders.
Opening new bank account : Aadhaar letter provided by UIDAI is now acceptable by banks as a valid proof to open a bank account. In fact, it can serve both as an address and identity proof, hence avoiding the need to produce a bunch of documents to the banks for opening an account.
Digital Life Certificate : Aadhaar linked digital life certificate is another initiative which was launched by the Ministry of Electronics and IT. Named as “Jeevan Praman for Pensioners”, this system will end the process where pensioner had to be physically present at Pension Disbursing Agency to renew his / her life certificate. Instead all the details of a pensioner will be accessed digitally by the agency.
SEBI : It is now accepted as a proof of address and identity by Securities and Exchange Board of India for investing in the stock market.
Mobile number : All existing mobile subscribers (prepaid and postpaid) are required to link Aadhaar to their mobile number. All new connections will require Aadhaar linking.
Driving license : To make Aadhaar, a digital identity, very soon driving license is planned to be linked to Aadhaar number. The objective of doing this is to check the prevalence of multiple license.
PAN card and IT return: This is considered to be the best step to curb black money. Linking of PAN card with Aadhaar has been made mandatory. The last date for linking is 31.08.2019.
Investments : Submitting Aadhaar to financial institutions is mandatory where you are doing mutual fund and other investments.
Existing bank account holders : Account holders are to provide Aadhaar to the banks where they hold account six months from the date of commencement of bank account.
Book Upto 12 tickets in IRCTC website in a month by linking Aadhaar : Now users are allowed to book upto 12 tickets in a month, if users get themselves verified through their Aadhaar number along with at least one passenger also being verified through Aadhaar. However, No Aadhaar Verification required for booking up to 6 tickets in a month. To know how the process
Enrollment for Aadhar
Aadhaar enrolment is free.
You can go to any authorized Aadhaar enrollment center anywhere in India with your identity and address proof.
UIDAI process accepts 18 PoI (Proof of Identity) and 35 PoA (Proof of Address) documents. Click here for national valid list of documents. Common proofs of identity and address are election photo ID card, Ration card, passport and driving license.
Photo ID cards like PAN card and Govt ID cards are permissible for identity proof. Address proof documents also include water /electricity/telephone bills for the last three months.
In case you do not have above common proofs, Certificate of Identify having photo issued by Gazetted Officer/Tehsildar on letterhead is also accepted as PoI. Certificate of Address having photo issued by MP or MLA /Gazetted Officer/Tehsildar on letterhead or by Village Panchayat head or its equivalent authority (for rural areas) is accepted as valid PoA.
Even if someone in a family does not have individual valid documents, the resident can still enrol if his/her name exists in family entitlement document. In this case the Head of Family in entitlement document needs to be enrolled first with valid PoI & PoA document. The head of the household can then introduce other members in the family while they are enrolling. UIDAI accepts 9 document types as Proof of Relationship. Click here for national valid list of documents.
Where there are no documents available, resident may also take the help of Introducers available at the enrolment centre. The Introducers are notified by the Registrar. For further details please contact office of the concerned Registrar.
At the enrollment center, please fill your personal details within the form. To view the Aadhaar Enrolment Form, click here. Your photo, finger-prints and iris scan will also be taken as a part of the enrollment. You can review the details you have provided and make corrections during enrolment itself. You will get an acknowledgment slip with a temporary enrolment number and other details captured during enrolment. Any corrections in the enrolment data can be done within 96 hours of enrolment by visiting the enrolment centre with the acknowledgement slip.
You need to enrol only once. Enrolling again is a waste of your time as you will get only one Aadhaar number.
Based on your information provided, your details will be verified centrally. If your application is successful, an Aadhaar number will be generated and mailed to your address.
The waiting time for Aadhaar may vary from 60-90 days after receipt of resident data packets in CIDR.
What happens after enrolment
After enrolment, quality checks are done by the enrolment centre supervisors, followed by correction process (where required) and data packet consolidation. Subsequently, the Enrolment Agency sends the data to UIDAI data centre. The data undergoes various stages of screening and validations in CIDR.
This ensures that the source of data is authenticated besides ensuring that no duplicate exists. Sample Quality checks are done on demographic and biometric data collected from residents. Apart from that the Operator/ Supervisor/ Introducer/ Enrolment Agency and Registrar information in each packet is also validated. Only after passing the data quality checks and other validations, the packet goes for de-duplication and Aadhaar gets generated.
In case of any errors, the packet goes on hold. For example if the particulars of the Operator who enrolled the residents are found to be inconsistent with database or there is a mismatch observed in photo and age/gender (ex. a child's photo with age mentioned as 50 yrs), then the packet is held for further enquiry.
Corrective actions are taken on such packets, wherever possible, else a rejection letter guiding resident to re-enroll is dispatched to the resident. India Post is entrusted with the responsibility of printing and delivery of Aadhaar letters.
In the case of Aadhaar enrolments through NPR exercise, the method of verification is the RGI approved LRUR (Local Register of Usual Residents) verification process. The Aadhaar number will be issued only after completion of the LRUR process which could take much longer than the time prescribed above. Residents can verify the name of their Registrar at the enrolment centres or on the acknowledgement provided to them at the time of enrolment. In case it is Registrar General of India(RGI), please contact the office of RGI for further details.
Where to enroll
Enrolment Centres where you can enroll for Aadhaar
Appointment for Aadhaar Enrolment
Enrolment in all the states/UTs is being covered by UIDAI and Office of the Registrar General of India (RGI). Aadhaar Enrolment activities are being carried out exclusively by RGI along with preparation of National Population Register (NPR) in Assam and Meghalaya. Residents of all other states/UTs are required to enrol only at an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre/Aadhaar Camps or at any Permanent Enrolment Centre.
Points to note
Enrollment for Aadhaar is done at designated Aadhaar enrolment centres only. The resident needs to visit only these enrolment centres. The UIDAI does not currently offer online enrollment.
Appointment for Aadhaar enrolment may be obtained online at the following link https://appointments.uidai.gov.in/ However, for actual enrolment process, physical presence of the resident is a must.
There is no last date for enrolment. Residents can enroll anytime as per their convenience at the designated centres. Enrolment for Aadhaar is a continuous process with no last date.
Sharing of bank related details is voluntary and not mandatory. In case a resident wishes to open a new bank account linked to resident's Aadhaar number or link an existing bank account with Aadhaar, then they may provide the relevant information on the enrolment form at the time of enrolment.
Resident's data shared with UIDAI while enrolling is fully safe and it is not shared with anybody without the president's consent.
The residents who have already received Aadhaar or enrolled for Aadhaar need not enroll again unless specifically advised in writing by the UIDAI.
Update your Aadhaar data
What is it that you can update in your Aadhaar Data
Updating through Online
Send Update Request through post
Know your Aadhaar Authentication History
What is it that you can update in your Aadhaar Data?
You can update the following data either by submitting your request Online or sending request through Post.
Updating through Online
Residents can update
Instructions for residents to use Update Portal
To update your profile in 3 easy steps:
STEP 1: Login with Aadhaar
STEP 2: Upload Documents and
STEP 3: Select BPO Service Provider and submit request.
What are the documents required to update online?
Residents are required to upload a self signed (self attested) copy of relevant documents for update/ correction. No documents required to be submitted for Mobile and Email update.
To Update Data Online (Click here) https://ssup.uidai.gov.in/web/guest/ssup-home
Send Update Request through post
If Resident is unable to locate the required Pincode/Village/Town/City/Post Office/District/State or is finding difficulty in local language transliteration, they may send their Update request through Post.
Aadhaar Data Update/Correction Form For Request Through Post
Instructions for Sending Update Request Through Post
Update Data (FAQs)
Submission of information for update does not guarantee update of Aadhaar data. The information submitted is subject to verification and validation.
Know your Aadhaar Authentication History
Aadhaar number holders can view Authentication details and also fetch Aadhaar authentication history (Notifications) data.
Aadhaar number holder can view details of all authentication records performed by any Authentication User Agency (AUA) or by him/her in the last 6 months. However, a maximum of 50 records can be viewed at one point of time.
Process
Visit the link https://resident.uidai.gov.in/notification-aadhaar
Enter your Aadhaar (UID) or Virtual ID (VID) and the Security code to generate a OTP to your registered mobile number.
On entry of the OTP the details are shown.
If the listed authentication transaction is not performed by the Aadhaar number holder, resident may contact the respective Authentication User Agency (AUA) for further details.
For every authentication transaction performed by an Aadhaar number holder, UIDAI generates a unique code to identify the transactions and sends the same to Authentication User Agency (AUA) along with the response. This Response Code is helpful to uniquely identify the transaction by AUA as well as UIDAI and may be used for any further enquiry from AUA by the Aadhaar number holder.
Online booking of appointment for Aadhaar services
Aadhaar Sewa Kendras (ASK)
Online appointment booking
Requirements for online booking of appointment
How to book an online appointment
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has initiated the online booking of appointment to access Aadhaar related services in its Aadhaar Sewa Kendras (ASK).
Aadhaar Sewa Kendras (ASK)
The ASKs will help people in adjoining areas to avail Aadhaar enrolment and update related services in a hassle-free, secure and convenient manner and will function along with other 35,000+ Aadhaar Kendra currently being run in banks, post offices, BSNL customer centres, and other designated state government offices.
UIDAI intends to set up 114 Aadhaar Seva Kendras in 53 cities across the country by the end of 2019.
Facilities in ASKs
The ASKs have a capacity to handle up to 1000/500 enrolments and update requests each per day and will be open for six days a week including weekends from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. It will be closed only on Tuesdays and public holidays.
Aadhaar Seva Kendras have comfortable air-conditioned environment having 16/8 enrolment counters, 80/40 seated waiting areas and electronic token system beside other amenities. Any resident can take online advance appointment and visit at her/his convenience.
ASKs have a token system where the resident first gets a token for their Aadhaar related work and then moves to a ‘verifier’ for document checking. Once the verification is completed, the resident moves to ‘cash counter’ for payment of Rs.50/-(charges for Aadhaar update, if required) and is then assigned an ‘operator counter’ from the 16 operator workstations. The entire token movement is visible to the resident via digital display screens for easy movement and queue management.A resident who has been provided a token will not have to stand in long queues.
Online appointment booking
The facility (pilot) is for booking an appointment at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra for Aadhaar services listed below:
Fresh Aadhaar enrolment
Name Update
Address Update
Mobile No. Update
Email ID Update
Date of Birth Update
Gender Update
(Photo + Fingerprints + Iris) Update
Requirements for online booking of appointment
You would need a mobile number (may not be Aadhaar registered) and the details of relevant valid documents for booking an appointment. Enrollment for a new Aadhaar is free. For updation of Aadhaar, a fee of Rs 50 is charged at the ASK.
How to book an online appointment
Visit the page https://appointments.uidai.gov.in/bookappointment.aspx
Appointment booking at UIDAI run Aadhaar Seva Kendra
Select the centre name and click Proceed to book appointment.
Choose the service you want to access - New Aadhaar or Aadhaar update
Fill your mobile number and enter Captcha and submit. Enter the OTP generated to your mobile. On successful authentication of your mobile, a form to fill in the required details are displayed. Fill the required details and submit the form.
You can manage the appointment details (date and time) by visiting the Manage appointment tab.
Appointment booking at Registrar run Aadhaar Seva Kendra
You need to do one time registration with your mobile number.
Enter the OTP generated and sent to your mobile number for authentication.
On successful authentication, you will be directed to fill the form for booking.
Know your Aadhaar Status
Check your Aadhaar Status Online
You can check your Aadhaar status online by following simple steps.
The top of your acknowledgement slip contains 14 digit enrolment number and the 14 digit date and time of enrolment. These 28 digits together form your temporary enrolment ID (EID).
To enter the EID click here . You need to enter EID and Date & time as mentioned in the acknowledgement slip.
Click on "Check Status" button to know the status.
Know your Aadhaar status using mobile
By using below simple steps
With registered mobile number
Without registered mobile number or if you change your mobile number
Visit nearest Aadhaar Kendra to update your mobile number/or register new mobile number.
You can also know the status if you have not registered your mobile number, send SMS as explained in the above procedure. You will get the status of your Aadhaar enrollment. Aadhaar number (if generated) will not be communicated to unregistered mobile number.
Retrieve your Lost EID/UID
If you have lost EID or Aadhaar, below is the process to retrieve the same.
Essential requirement
You can also Verify Email/Mobile number to know if it is registered or not. To verify click here.
If you have not registered your Mobile number while enrolling for Aadhaar, you are required to visit a Permanent Enrolment Centre to get it registered. In case you have changed your mobile number or you wish to change the registered Email, you are required to get it updated in your Aadhaar as soon as possible. No documents required to be submitted for Mobile and Email update.
Process
Visit the link https://resident.uidai.gov.in/lost-uideid
Choose whether you need to retrieve EID / Aadhaar.
If you would like to retrieve Aadhaar / EID, you need to mention the Name, registered Mobile number or e-mail id followed by entry of Captcha code. Enter "Send OTP" .
If your mobile number is registered, you will get the OTP on your registered mobile number. Enter OTP to retrieve your Aadhaar /EID number.
Check your Aadhaar Linking Status with Bank
Through this service, on entering your Aadhaar number you can know the following
To access the service, click here.https://resident.uidai.gov.in/bank-mapper
Check your mobile number / Email in Aadhaar
To verify your email address and mobile number that has been declared at the time of enrolment or during latest Aadhaar detail update, click here. You need to enter your Aadhaar number, Email / Mobile number. If you're mobile number/email id is linked to your Aadhaar, a OTP is sent to the same.
Note : Registered Mobile Number is essential to avail Aadhaar Online services. In case your mobile number is not registered with your Aadhaar, visit the nearest Permanent Enrolment Centre https://appointments.uidai.gov.in/easearch.aspx
How is Aadhaar different from any other identity issued by the government?
Aadhaar is essentially a paperless online anytime-anywhere identity assigned to a resident to cover his/her entire lifetime. The verification of his identity is done online with the help of authentication devices which connect to UIDAI’s Central Identity Repository and return only a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ response to the basic query-“Is the person who he/she claims to be?” based on the data available with UIDAI.
The Aadhaar authentication service is fully functional and in use in several service delivery schemes across the country. The Aadhaar Card or the e-Aadhaar (electronic copy of Aadhaar) are essentially given to residents to know their own Aadhaar, but are only the first step towards the actual use of the online id as explained in the preceding para.
m-Aadhaar
Key Features
Requirements to use m-Aadhaar
How to download and use
mAadhaar is an official mobile application developed by Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to provide an interface to Aadhaar Number Holders to carry their demographic information viz. Name, Date of Birth, Gender & Address along with photograph as linked with their Aadhaar Number in smart phones.
Key Features
Aadhaar Number Holder profile download – A convenient way to carry Aadhaar number with demographic details anytime, anywhere.
Biometric locking/unlocking – To secure biometric authentication by locking biometrics data. Once resident enables Biometric Locking system their biometric remains locked till the Aadhaar Holder chose to either Unlock it (which is temporary) or Disable the Locking system.
TOTP generation – Time-based One-Time Password is an automatically generated temporary password which can be used instead of SMS based OTP.
Update of profile – An updated view of Aadhaar profile data after successful completion of update request.
Sharing of QR code and eKYC data by Aadhaar Number holder – Share QR code and password protected eKYC data to retrieve accurate demographic information from it instead of manual entry.
Show Authentication Report - To view all the authentication report for particular time frame.
Generate VID/Fetch VID - VID can be generated or if already created then can be fetched.
Requirements to use m-Aadhaar
Registered Mobile Number is essential to use mAadhaar app. Registered mobile number is the mobile number linked with your Aadhaar number. In case your mobile number is not registered with Aadhaar visit the nearest Enrolment Centre/Mobile Update End Point.
An Android based smart phone with Android Version 5.0 and up.
Internet connectivity on your phone.
How to download and use
Users can download 'm-Aadhaar' from Google Playstore.
Application will ask for password as soon as it is opened as the first step after confirming consent. User should enter a password containing only numbers and of length 4 e.g. 1234
Create new resident profile.
Enter 12 digit Aadhaar Number or scan your Aadhaar card
Ensure that your mobile connection is active and that the mobile number is same as that available with UIDAI as your registered mobile number.
After providing the mandatory inputs press the button 'Verify', available at the bottom of the screen. After pressing 'Verify' button do not navigate away from the screen
If the details provided by you are found to be correct then application will receive OTP and will read OTP automatically from the phone.
View your profile
Open your profile
Select "View updated Profile" on top right corner to view recently updated Aadhaar data
On Tap OTP will be sent and auto-filled, Tap OK to confirm and view profile.
Ensure network connectivity on your mobile device before initiating profile sync
Upon successful sync latest Aadhaar data will be visible on your screen.
Delete Profile from mAadhaar app
Open your profile and click on the menu at top right.
Select Delete Profile option.
Ensure network connectivity on your mobile device before authenticating yourself by entering profile password.
App will delete the profile.
How to share eKYC?
Electronic Know your customer or e KYC is the way of resident authentication used by organizations like Banks. Aadhaar allows residents to submit it as an address proof electronically which is valid as a Xerox copy of Aadhaar Card.
Open your profile
Click on the top Right Hand Side (RHS) corner.
Select /Tap on Share eKYC, pop-up will appear re-enter password.
Select one sharing option from the available (Gmail, Bluetooth, SHAREit, Skype etc.).
Lock /Unlock biometrics
This feature is to secure biometric authentication by locking biometrics data of the resident. Biometric remains locked till the Aadhaar Holder chose to either unlock it (which is temporary) or Disable the Locking system.
Open your profile
Click on the top Right Hand Side (RHS) corner.
Select Biometric Settings.
To lock/unlock biometrics select/deselect check box ‘Enable Biometric Lock’.
To save your selection, click on the Tick Mark on top RHS.
An OTP will be generated and auto-filled and biometrics will be locked.
The Biometric will be locked permanently till unlocked.
The Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016
The Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016 intends to provide for targeted delivery of subsidies and services to individuals residing in India by assigning them unique identity numbers, called Aadhaar numbers.
Eligibility
Every resident shall be entitled to obtain an Aadhaar number. A resident is a person who has resided in India for 182 days, in the one year preceding the date of application for enrolment for Aadhaar
Information to be submitted
To obtain an Aadhaar number, an individual has to submit the following information
biometric (photograph, finger print, iris scan) and
demographic (name, date of birth, address)
The Unique Identification Authority (UID) may specify other biometric and demographic information to be collected by regulations.
Enrolment
At the time of enrolment, the individual will be informed of the following
the manner in which the information will be used
the nature of recipients with whom the information will be shared, and
the right to access this information.
After verification of information provided by a person, an Aadhaar number will be issued to him.
Use of Aadhaar number
To verify the identity of a person receiving a subsidy or a service, the government may require them to have an Aadhaar number. If a person does not have an Aadhaar number, government will require them to apply for it, and in the meanwhile, provide an alternative means of identification. Any public or private entity can accept the Aadhaar number as a proof of identity of the Aadhaar number holder, for any purpose. Aadhaar number cannot be a proof of citizenship or domicile.
Functions and composition of authority
The key functions of the UID authority include,
specifying demographic and biometric information to be collected during enrolment
assigning Aadhaar numbers to individuals
authenticating Aadhaar numbers, and
specifying the usage of Aadhaar numbers for delivery of subsidies and services.
The UID authority will consist of a chairperson, two part-time members and a chief executive officer. The chairperson and members are required to have experience of at least ten years in matters such as technology, governance, etc.
Authentication
The UID authority will authenticate the Aadhar number of an individual, if an entity makes such a request. A requesting entity (an agency or person that wants to authenticate information of a person) has to obtain the consent of an individual before collecting his information. The agency can use the disclosed information only for purposes for which the individual has given consent.
Response to authentication query
The UID authority shall respond to an authentication query with a positive, negative or other appropriate response. However, it is not permitted to share an individual’s fingerprint, iris scan and other biological attributes.
Authentication record maintained by UID authority
The UID authority shall record the entity requesting verification of a person’s identity, the time of request and the response received by the entity. The purpose for which an individual's identity needs to be verified will not be maintained.
Protection of information
Biometric information such as an individual’s finger print, iris scan and other biological attributes (specified by regulations) will be used only for Aadhaar enrolment and authentication, and for no other purpose. Such information will not be shared with anyone, nor will it be displayed publicly, except for purposes specified by regulations.
Cases when information may be revealed
In two cases, information may be revealed
In the interest of national security, a Joint Secretary in the central government may issue a direction for revealing, (i) Aadhaar number, (ii) biometric information (iris scan, fingerprint and other biological attributes specified by regulations), (iii) demographic information, and (iv) photograph. Such a decision will be reviewed by an Oversight Committee (comprising Cabinet Secretary, Secretaries of Legal Affairs and Electronics and Information Technology) and will be valid for six months.
On the order of a court, (i) an individual’s Aadhaar number, (ii) photograph, and (iii) demographic information, may be revealed.
Offences and penalties
A person may be punished with imprisonment upto three years and minimum fine of Rs 10 lakh for unauthorised access to the centralized data-base, including revealing any information stored in it. If a requesting entity and an enrolling agency fail to comply with rules, they shall be punished with imprisonment upto one year or a fine upto Rs 10,000 or Rs one lakh (in case of a company), or with both.
Cognizance of offence
No court shall take cognizance of any offence except on a complaint made by the UID authority or a person authorised by it.
To view the complete Act, click here.
Source: PRS Legislative Research http://www.prsindia.org/
