The Aadhar Card Project was conceived as a means to store essential, unique information for each applicant and prove their identity, as well as citizenship status. Officially, it would be a very secure document for India nationals and citizens.
Each card is inscribed with a 12-digit unique identification number. Additionally, it stores unique basic information specific to each person. This is in fact biometric information – finger prints, iris scans, voice etc., along with a photo, to ensure precise identification. The card is compatible only with a certain range of devices that can read it (biometric ones).
The idea of having the UID Status Project is no new one. Actually, it’s been previously used in many countries, long before Indian officials have considered it. Thus, the biometric identification system was employed in countries like the United States, in China and Korea. A quick analysis of the project shows that there are advantages on both sides – the state as well as its citizens.
The Aadhaar Card with its unique numbers benefits nationals in a whole range of situations and the list is going to grow steadily. Firstly, it makes proof of one’s identity and residency status. It’s a verification tool with little to no chance of being wrong. In addition, it works quickly in countless applications. The card can be of help in loan application processes for example. Owners may also use it to apply for visas, passports, for phone connections, for school and college admissions. In a way, it is like an ID card, only that it holds much more information and can thus connect with countless IT systems that require the individual’s data. An Aadhar card number can be obtained very early in life – it is even issues to a newborn.
Considering the card stores biometric data, there has been some concern raised within the Indian society. At the core of it is the fear of excessive government control. The card and identification system does help the government, in the way that it can speed up any verification and new measure implementation. Also, it can improve national security through weeding out any unwelcome individual. People with fake documents or who have no right to reside in India can be easily identified and handled. This helps the welfare system, but also the fight against corruption and even terrorism.
There are no limitations to obtaining such identity cards; these can be issued regardless of one’s social status, caste, religion, gender or race. Only one card per person is allowed. Every process is simplified thanks to it, as long as there is compatible equipment to read the card.
All connected details can be checked online on the official UIDAI website.