An Aadhaar card is a unique number issued to every citizen in India and is a centralised and universal identification number. The Aadhaar card is a biometric card that stores an individual’s personal details in a government database and is fast becoming the government’s base for public welfare and citizen services.
The government uses the Aadhaar network in order to ensure that 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 Aadhaar 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. In this manner, it can also identify those who are receiving benefits but are not eligible for them and take corrective action.
The Aadhaar card is a universal card that does not really have a specific purpose behind it. Unlike a voter ID card, whose sole purpose is to permit the holder to take part in the electoral process, the Aadhaar card was not created with any specific use in mind. Instead, it can be used for a number of purposes, making it a universally acceptable government-issued card, without needing to register or apply for a separate card for each of these services.
For example, an Aadhaar card can be used as proof of identity, proof of address as well as proof of age when applying for any government service.
In this way, it is a very versatile card, as it can be used for all government related services and programme. The reaction to the card has been varied. Some nuanced, others not as much – all centering around the propensity for mistakes, the perceived lack of security and the notion of big brother watching.
Vrushali Parsekar, financial consultant was forthright when she said “Not fool proof unless it is flawless and as genuine a document as passport or PAN card. Now there are a lot of short comings like spelling mistakes, date of birth without month or date and address is not complete. If it is accurate it would be like a pan card or passport. Similarly if an Adhar card is fool proof, it will be most important document as all bank accounts can be availed with this card. Social security card abroad is your ID as it is accurate, I believe something similar would be and can be done in India. It will be fantastic.”
Another professional who did not want to come on record said “Well it may be a god idea but what about the security of the information compiled. Is it safe? Data bases can be hacked and exploited. Are there precautions in place to ensure this does not happen?”
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 all the necessary data on a particular individual, they need only produce their Aadhaar card in order to avail of the various subsidies or programmes.
The government has so far introduced schemes whereby the Aadhaar 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.
The Aadhaar 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.
The possession of an aadhaar card will help one acquire a 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 Aadhaar 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.
Something as mundane as opening a bank account, will be easier with the card. The document can be used for KYC, 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.
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. With regards pensions, the benefits provided by an Aadhaar Card can be availed by retired government officials too. The Aadhaar Card numbers of pensioners will have to be registered with their respective departments so that timely pension payments can be received.
With regards the Jan Dhan Yojna, the Aadhaar Card Number as the only document for the opening of a bank account. Individuals who link their Aadhaar Card to their Pension Accounts can have their provident fund disbursed directly to their accounts through their PF organisation.
Finally it will help with the LPG subsidy. 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.
In time, we will learn how it all turned out.
