Aadhaar is a unique identification number issued to resident individuals in India under the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016. This number serves as a proof of identity anywhere in India, similar to the social security number issued to residents/citizens of the United States of America.
In this article, IASPOINT provides basic insights into concept of Aadhaar, its objectives, and its significance in ensuring good governance and efficient delivery of subsidies, benefits, and services to individuals residing in India.
What is Aadhaar?
Aadhaar is defined under Section 2(a) of The Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016, which was notified on 26 March 2016. Though Aadhaar numbers were being issued from 2010 onwards, the Act officially recognized it as a legal proof of identity. Every resident in India (those who have stayed for more than 182 days in the year prior to submitting Aadhaar application) is entitled to obtain an Aadhaar number by submitting their demographic information (such as name, date of birth, address, etc.) and biometric information (photograph, fingerprint, Iris scan, etc.). The Central Government may also notify other categories of individuals who may be eligible for obtaining an Aadhaar number.
An Aadhaar number, once issued, is unique, valid for life, and is not re-assigned to any other individual. It is a random number and bears no relation to the attributes or identity of the Aadhaar number holder. An Aadhaar number, in physical or electronic form, can be accepted as a proof of identity for any purpose, subject to authentication and other conditions. However, it does not by itself, confer any right of, or be proof of, citizenship or domicile in respect of an Aadhaar number holder.
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is responsible for the processes of enrolment and authentication and other functions assigned to it under the Aadhaar Act 2016. Aadhaar is issued by UIDAI on behalf of the Government of India. In case a person loses their Aadhaar card, they can download it free of cost from the UIDAI website. The print out of the downloaded Aadhaar, even in black and white form, is as valid as the original Aadhaar letter sent by UIDAI. There is no need to print it on plastic card or get it laminated.
Issuing Aadhaar to Underprivileged
The UIDAI takes special measures to issue Aadhaar numbers to women, children, senior citizens, persons with disability, unskilled and unorganized workers, nomadic tribes, and other individuals who do not have any permanent dwelling house. In this way, Aadhaar may become the first ever proof of identification for such individuals.
Objectives of Aadhaar
Aadhaar is primarily issued for ensuring good governance and for efficient, transparent, and targeted delivery of subsidies, benefits, and services to individuals residing in India, the expenditure for which is incurred from the Consolidated Fund of India. Here, the words subsidy means any form of aid, support, grant, subvention, or appropriation, in cash or kind, to an individual or a group of individuals and includes such other subsidies as may be notified by the Central Government. Service means any provision, facility, utility or any other assistance provided in any form to an individual or a group of individuals and includes such other services as may be notified by the Central Government; and benefit means any advantage, gift, reward, relief, or payment, in cash or kind, provided to an individual or a group of individuals and includes such other benefits as may be notified by the Central Government.
Aadhaar as a Digital Identity Platform
Aadhaar is considered as the largest online digital identity platform in the world. With over 1.3 billion Aadhaar numbers issued, it has become the backbone of India’s digital infrastructure, serving as a unique and secure identification for individuals. The use of Aadhaar has been expanded beyond the initial objectives of ensuring targeted delivery of subsidies, benefits, and services, and it is now used in various areas such as banking, mobile connections, and even for appearing for exams and obtaining driving licenses.
Benefits of Aadhaar
The use of Aadhaar as a unique identification number has brought about many benefits for the people of India. Some of these benefits include:
- Improved Targeting of Subsidies, Benefits and Services: With Aadhaar, it has become easier to identify the intended beneficiaries of government schemes and subsidies, reducing the chances of fraud and leakages.
- Streamlined Service Delivery: With Aadhaar, individuals can now access government and private services quickly and easily, without the need for multiple documents as proof of identity.
- Financial Inclusion: Aadhaar has helped in the financial inclusion of many individuals, who previously had no access to financial services, by providing them with a unique identification number.
- Easy Authentication: The biometric authentication feature of Aadhaar makes it easy for individuals to prove their identity, even in remote areas where physical documents may not be easily accessible.
- Reduced Corruption: The use of Aadhaar has led to a reduction in corruption, as it has become more difficult for individuals to impersonate others and claim benefits fraudulently.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite the many benefits of Aadhaar, there have been some challenges and criticisms of the program. Some of the major concerns include:
- Privacy concerns: There have been concerns about the security and privacy of Aadhaar data, and the potential for misuse of the data by the government or private entities.
- Inclusion concerns: There have been reports of individuals, particularly from marginalized communities, facing difficulties in obtaining an Aadhaar number, leading to exclusion from government schemes and services.
- Technical glitches: There have been reports of technical glitches in the Aadhaar system, leading to difficulties for individuals in accessing services and benefits.
Summary
Aadhaar, as a unique identification number, has brought about many benefits for the people of India. It has improved the targeting of subsidies, benefits and services, streamlined service delivery, and helped in the financial inclusion of many individuals. However, there have also been challenges and criticisms of the program, particularly with regard to privacy concerns and inclusion issues. It is important for the government to address these concerns and ensure that the benefits of Aadhaar are accessible to all individuals.