Aadhar card

An Aadhar number is a 12-digit alphanumeric number. It is a unique number issued to citizens of India based on their demographic and personal details. Aadhar card is issued to all citizens as identity proof and has become mandatory now to avail of Government subsidies and services. The Aadhar system was launched in September 2010. It is valid for a lifetime. The Aadhar Act of 2016 states that Aadhar is the right of every citizen. You can obtain it by submitting your personal and demographic details at the Aadhar Seva Kendra or applying for it yourself at UIDAI. The Aadhar card contains the following details of an individual:-

• Demographic Info

1. Name
2. Date of Birth
3. Gender
4. Address
5. Guardian/Parent’s details mainly the father’s/spouse’s name
6. Email ID and mobile number 

• Biometric Info

1. Signature
2. Photograph
3. 10-finger print impression details

Aadhaar serves to eliminate fake identities under various schemes which leads to significant savings for the government's exchequers. It also provides the Indian government with exact details of the beneficiaries and enables them to carry out direct benefit transfer (DBT) programmes. Aadhaar authentication enables the enforcing organizations to verify the identities of the beneficiaries at the time of service/benefits delivery and also ensures the targeted delivery of services/subsidies to them.

You can get Aadhar card in following forms

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has brought out four different forms of Aadhaar for the convenience of the residents of India. They are as follows: -

Aadhar Letter: An Aadhar letter is a paper-based laminated letter with a secure QR Code. It has its Issue Date and Print Date on the letter along with the other aadhar details. An Aadhaar letter is delivered to an individual free of cost by ordinary post.

e Aadhar: e Aadhar is the electronic form of the Aadhaar Letter. It is digitally signed by UIDAI and has a secure QR code for offline verification with Issue Date and Download Date. E-aadhar is also password protected and masked. 

m Aadhar: mAadhar is the official mobile app made by UIDAI which can be installed on a smartphone. mAadhar app is available on Google play store/iOS. It provides an interface for those with valid Aadhaar numbers to carry their Aadhar card details as registered with CIDR. 

Aadhar PVC Card: Aadhaar PVC Card is the latest version of Aadhaar launched by UIDAI. It is easy to carry and durable and has a digitally signed Aadhaar secure QR code with photograph and demographic details with many security features. 

Who can apply for an Aadhar card?

• Any individual residing in India, whether newborns or minors, is eligible to apply for an Aadhaar card. The Aadhar Act of 2016 states that aadhar can be applied by anyone who has resided in India for more than 182 days
• NRIs and foreigners staying in India, who have a valid passport, for more than 182 days are eligible to apply for an Aadhaar card. It is advised by the Indian Government to issue an Aadhaar card for NRIs with valid Indian passports after their arrival in India without waiting for 180 days. 

Benefits of Aadhar card

An Aadhar card has several benefits. They are as follows:-

1. Aadhar card is a unique number and can’t be the same for two persons. It helps in identifying scammers and fraudsters. 
2. It serves as ID proof in India regarding address, age and so on. 
3. You can avail of all Indian Government subsidies and social benefits. It eliminates the tedious job of submitting supporting documents for identity proof for every Government subsidy and service.
4. It is a proof of identity valid across India and provides relief to anyone who wants to migrate to another state. Aadhar authentication can be done easily online anytime and anywhere in India. 
5. It ensures transparency and accountability in the recent technological era.
6. It is used in all types of bank-related matters like opening an account.
7. It is used to avail gas, phone, electricity and water connection at your home.
8. Provides e-KYC for mutual fund investments.
9. KYC or Know your customer is an important form in all Government institutions which requires an aadhar card number.
10. It is used to apply for a passport, a visa and other such documents. 
11. It serves as ID proof in jobs, college and school admissions.