Dear Comrades,
Citizens of India should not miss the opportunity to receive their Aadhaar — the 12-digit unique identification number (UID) proposed by the Central government under the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) project.
Though the UIDAI website says that getting enrolled for Aadhaar is not mandatory, it is likely to become a substitute for other identity proofs like PAN card and driving license.
Any resident in India who satisfies the UIDAI verification process can get an Aadhaar. Besides the unique identity, UID will also help identify criminals.
Aadhaar will include everyone, including infants. Biometric and demographic information is collected from the beginning of the programme to prevent duplication.
This project, headed by Nandan Nilekani, former CEO of Infosys, is expected to act as a stimulant to the economy by generating employment in general and project opportunities for IT companies.
Aadhaar is expected to be recognised and accepted across the country among all service providers. Once a person is enrolled for Aadhaar, service providers will not repeatedly ask that person for know-your-customer (KYC).
While applying for a bank account, passport, driving license or booking e-tickets, UID card holders will not be required to submit other documents for identity proof.
Aadhaar will help the poor and underprivileged sections to access banking services and give them the opportunity to avail of other services provided by the government and private sector.
It will be the first form of identification that many from this section will possess.
The UIDAI will ensure that its know-your-resident (KYR) standards do not become a barrier for enrolling the poor and has accordingly developed an introducer system for residents who do not have identity proof documents.
Through this system, authorised individuals (introducers), who already have an Aadhaar, can introduce residents who do not have any identification documents, thus enabling them to receive their Aadhaar.
UID will also enable service providers to easily verify an individual’s identity and authenticate it online. This will help them eliminate duplication and fake identities.
The project is likely to give a boost to financial inclusion and benefit those who do not have access to a formal credit system due to lack of acceptable documents.
The UID registration began in Thane district on January 10, 2011. “Registration will be open for almost a year. For every person, it takes about 10-15 minutes to complete the registration process. In a day, the registration centres manage to enrol close to 60 persons,” said a source, in-charge of promoting UID for his ward.
An application for Aadhaar can be rejected if there is a data or process error. In this case, one has to re-enrol for it. If a person’s biometric records match an existing record, then he/she will have to register a complaint.
Published: Saturday, Mar 19, 2011, 2:26 IST
By Yogini C Joglekar Place: Mumbai Agency: DNA
