Why Having an Aadhaar is Important for Indians?

The Aadhaar Program was launched in 2009 with the main objective to give Universal identity to every resident Indian. It is a 12-digit unique identity number issued based on the biometric and demographic data. The data is collected by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). Recently, the Government has made Aadhaar an important source for all the professional and personal needs of an individual.

The Government uses the Aadhaar network in order to ensure that the individuals who require assistance and benefits gain access to these resources directly, eliminating the need for middlemen. As part of this process, it is gradually linking all essential government services and benefits schemes to the Aadhar network, creating a centralized database through which it can distribute and keep track of the various schemes and programs it runs along with the beneficiaries.

While the various Aadhaar card uses are publicized by the government through awareness campaigns, there are a few uses that many users would not be aware of.

UNIVERSAL IDENTITY CARD: Unlike the Vote Id Card, whose sole purpose is to permit the holder to take part in the electoral process, the Aadhaar card was not created with specific use in mind. Instead, it can be used for multiple purposes, making it a universally acceptable government-issued card, without needing to register or apply for a separate card for each service.

AVAILING OF SUBSIDIES: The Aadhaar card permits the holder to avail of all government subsidies he/she is eligible for, without the need to register and enroll for these separately. Since the Government already has the data on a particular individual, they need only produce their Aadhaar card in order to avail the various schemes or subsidies.

The government has so far introduced schemes whereby the Aadhar can be linked to a bank account and LPG connection so individuals can receive their LPG subsidy directly into their bank accounts. This also negates the possibility of the funds being misappropriated or of individuals making fraudulent claims in order to claim benefits.

EASE OF AVAILABILITY: The Aadhar card is the only government-issued document that is available anywhere, everywhere. An Aadhaar card can be applied for online. Known as an e-Aadhaar, this is downloadable version of your Aadhaar card and can be accessed wherever you are, whenever you require.

This makes it convenient for individuals to always have a copy of a valid government-issued identity document that is also easily accessible. This also reduces the risk of an original document being stolen/misplaced, since the Aadhaar can be downloaded onto any device and displayed when required.

ACQUISITION OF PASSPORT: The acquisition of a passport can be a daunting endeavor as it requires plenty of time. Obtaining a passport includes getting an appointment with the authorities, processing your application, dispatching of the passport and police verification checks. It usually takes multiple weeks to complete all processes and avail a passport, but thanks to the increased uses of an Aadhar Card, passports can now be availed by applicants within 10 days.

Individuals who wish to obtain a passport can apply for the same online by simply attaching their Aadhaar Card as the only residence and identity proof along with their application. Within three days of submission, you will receive an appointment and the processing and dispatching of the passport will be complete within seven days. Police verification checks will then be scheduled for a later date.

OPENING BANK ACCOUNTS: Aadhar Cards can come in handy when opening a bank account. The document can be used for KYC (Know Your Customer), identification and verification purposes. Financial institutions and banks consider Aadhaar Cards as valid address and photo ID proofs during the time of opening a bank account.

LPG SUBSIDY: The Aadhaar-based Direct Benefit Transfer is followed by the LPG subsidy wherein the distributor for your particular area will link your Aadhaar Card with your LPG connection and will be able to reach your bank account directly through the 12-digit unique identification number.

JAN DHAN YOJANA: The Jan Dhan Yojana accepts your Aadhaar Card Number as the only document for the opening of a bank account. The scheme is said to offer considerable help to people in remote and rural areas to avail the services offered by banks.

DIGITAL LIFE CERTIFICATE: The Jeevan Praman for Pensioners or the Digital Life certificate as it is also called, was initiated by Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India. The aim of the certificate was to abolish the need for the pensioner to be physically present in order to receive pension for the continuation of their scheme. Pensioners can now avail pension without having to leave their homes as their details can be digitally accessed by the agency through their Aadhaar Card numbers.

Read more: How to link PAN with Aadhaar Card Online?