The world's first ID project where biometric data is used to provide unique identification numbers for India's billion-plus citizens rolled out with PM Manmohan Singh and UPA chief Sonia Gandhi handing over the first set of 12-digit numbers to 10 tribals.
The country's most tech savvy initiative called 'Aadhaar' (base) to provide the unique ID cards was hailed by Singh and Gandhi at the launch function as a "historic step" to provide identity to every Indian citizen and make delivery processes transparent. Biometric-based data including from fingerprints and an iris scan is being used for the first time anywhere in the world to provide a cost-effective nationally valid and verifiable single source of identity proof through an authentification infrastructure.
He said the issuing of unique identity cards is a beginning of a big effort for the welfare of the common man. The 'Aadhaar' number will be for lifetime and can be used anywhere in the country, the Prime Minister said, adding the project will help in National Integration.
Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique number which the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) will issue for all residents. The number will be stored in a centralised database and linked to the basic demographics and biometric information – photograph, ten fingerprints and iris – of each individual. The details of the data fields and verification procedures are available here.
Aadhaar will be:
Easily verifiable in an online, cost-effective way. Unique and robust enough to eliminate the large number of duplicate and fake identities in government and private databases. A random number generated, devoid of any classification based on caste, creed, religion and geography.
Aadhaar-based identification will have two unique features:
Universality, which is ensured because Aadhaar will over time be recognised and accepted across the country and across all service providers.
Every resident's entitlement to the number.
The number will consequently form the basic, universal identity infrastructure over which Registrars and Agencies across the country can build their identity-based applications.
Unique Identification of India (UIDAI) will build partnerships with various Registrars across the country to enrol residents for the number. Such Registrars may include state governments, state Public Sector Units (PSUs), banks, telecom companies, etc. These Registrars may in turn partner with enrolling agencies to enrol residents into Aadhaar.
An individual who is a resident in India and satisfies the verification process laid down by the UIDAI can get an Aadhaar.
The process to get an Aadhaar will be circulated by the local media upon which residents need to go to the nearest Enrolment Camp to register for an Aadhaar. The resident primarily needs to carry certain documents which will be specified in the media advertisement.
