What is AADHAR Card?
There is a lot of buzz regarding the implementation of AADHAR card. A lot has been said about this identity card as it has been compared with the US social security database. Planning Commission of India came up with the idea in 2009. The idea is to have a a nationwide database including details of every Indian. This huge database will be maintained by the Unique Identification Authority of India or UIDAI. Every Indian will be given a unique identification number which forms the primary key of the database. This card will contain biometric details such as iris scan and finger prints. It is not a smart card.
Requirement for AADHAR
A lot of people have questioned the need of AADHAR or a new identity card. Actually, this is the first time the Planning Commission of India is storing the data of every citizen in a centralized database. This card is a start from rubble. AADHAR provides a 12 digit unique identification number. Now, this number will uniquely identify every citizen and will erase all fake identities. Authority of India offers many identification cards such as ration card, voter id card, and passport etc. Fake ids can be easily produced as these cards and documents doesn’t include biometric details and are not loaded in a database. So, a need of a new identity proof was needed.
Nandan Nilekani, co-chairman of Infosys Technologies was the first chairman of UIDAI. He stated that “we need a centralized database to track every Indian. The AADHAR card is a full-proof card which cannot be faked easily.”
Advantages of AADHAR
The biggest advantage of AADHAR is that it contains biometric details and will erase the fake ids. There are some silent features of AADHAR, which the government hopes to implement in near future.
- AADHAR will become universal id proof for Indians. This means that it will save us from the fuss of showing different identification proof. This universal card will become the ultimate identity proof.
- It will help the government to realize the population of India and to analyze the people below and above poverty line.
- AADHAR will allow below poverty citizens and lower cast to utilize different banking facility offered exclusively by Indian government and private banks.
- The underprivileged society will be easily included in the formal banking system of India.
- This card will be internationally valid and will give the opportunity to move freely with one identity card.
How to apply for AADHAR?
AADHAR registration have started in 2010 and you can check the enrollment policies from the following link
http://uidai.gov.in/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=148&Itemid=41
The above link will take you to the enrollment section of AADHAR. You can procure the enrollment form from any government office and public sector banks. Enrollment forms can be downloaded as well. You need to carry a photocopy of your identity proof of appearance and address along with the originals. Bank pass book and cheque book are required as well. Visit your local government office such as post office or any public sector bank for more details. A detailed list of enrollment centers are weekly or monthly released via newspapers and magazines.
