The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), chaired by Nandan Nilekani, former co-chairman of Infosys Technologies, is being successfully implemented in various parts of the country.

MOST PROBABLY you must have heard about the Unique Identity (UID) number (Aadhar) project, and might even be planning to get one. But before you do so, it’s important you have full information about this government initiative. The project was started in February 2009; it aims to provide all residents of India a multi-purpose 12-digit identification number. UDI is not mandatory, but taking into account the benefits of the ID most of the citizens plan to be a part of the project.

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), chaired by Nandan Nilekani, former co-chairman of Infosys Technologies, is being successfully implemented in various parts of the country. The first of UID cards were distributed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh along with UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi to people in Tembhli village of Nandurbar, Maharashtra on September 29, last year.  

Some important information about Aadhar cards:

•The UID cards are not solely meant for Indian citizens, all residents of India can apply for the card, despite their citizenship.
•The card can only be used for identification purpose, and has nothing to do with citizenship of India.
•Those who do not have proper identification documents can also apply for Aadhar card. You just have to be introduced by an authorised person (someone who already has a UID card).
•UID card is not a replacement for other identification documents, like ration card and passport.
•UID will only contain biometric and demographic information about an individual, sans details about caste, religion, and language, etc.
•The card has the option of approximate age, which means if you don’t remember your age then just mention the approximate age and it’s done.
•With the option of transgender available, transsexual people don’t need to categorise themselves in male or female category.
•The residents of India can link their UID number to their bank accounts.

How to enrol for the card:

It’s easy, all you need to do is go to a nearby Aadhar enrolment camp.

Don’t forget to carry a proof of your name and photo identity, a pan card or a ration card would do. Also, you need a residence proof, like a passport, bank statement, passbook, voters ID, ration card, and driving license, etc. Although date of birth is optional, you could carry along your birth certificate, CCLC book or certificate, passport etc for the same.

After the documents are verified, your 10 fingerprints and iris will be scanned, and you will also be photographed. Your UID card will be issued within 20-30 days after the formalities are over.

Benefits:

•Identity proof
•Allow poor and underprivileged to formally enter the banking system.
•Help bag opportunities provided by public and private sector.
•Identity proof for migrants.
•People will no longer have to provide supporting identity documents.

Please make sure you provide correct information. Those found guilty of violating the draft National Identification Authority of India bill could face a prison sentence that could be extended to life imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 1 crore.