AADHAAR (Hindi: ????) ala Unique Identification number is a National scale project aiming to build a secure, reliable and centralized repository of personal demographic and biometric data, initiated by the Government of India. AADHAAR is no ID Card scheme.

What is Aadhaar?
Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique number which the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) will issue for all residents in India. The number will be store basic demographics and biometric information – photograph, ten fingerprints and iris – of each individual in a central database. Aadhaar will be easily verifiable. 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.

#1 It is a 12 digit number, not only a card
#2 It is for every individual, including infants. Each individual of family will have separate Aadhaar UID number.
#3 It enables identification and is for every resident. It doesn’t establishes citizenship and is not only for Indians.
#4 Getting Aadhaar is voluntary, not mandatory
#5 It is for every resident, irrespective of existing documentation. Individuals without identification documents can also get Aadhaar.
#6 Each individual will be given a single unique Aadhaar ID number. No multiple Aadhaar numbers.
#7 Aadhaar UID number can be used by ration card, passport or any ID based application. Though it will not replace other ID’s.
#8 UID Authority of India will give ‘yes’ or ‘no’ response for any identification authentication queries. Other information will not be accessible to public and private agencies.

Benefits of Adhaar
#1 Great potential for not-so-privileged, poor and the marginalised people, mostly living in the rural areas
#2 Clear proof of identity
#3 Facilitate entry for poor and underprivileged residents into the formal banking system
#4 Opportunity to avail services provided by the government and the private sector
#5 Giving migrants mobility of identity
#5 Financial inclusion with deeper penetration of banks, insurance and easy distribution of benefits of government
schemes.

Once a person is on the Aadhaar database the person will be able to establish identity easily. Aadhaar will become the single source of identity verification. Residents would be spared the hassle of repeatedly providing supporting identity documents each time they wish to access services such as obtaining a bank account, passport, driving license and so on. By providing a clear proof of identity, Aadhaar will also facilitate entry for poor and underprivileged residents into the formal banking system and the opportunity to avail services provided by the government and the private sector. Aadhaar will also give migrants mobility of identity.

How to get Aadhaar?
An individual who is a resident in India and satisfies the verification process laid down by the UIDAI can get an Aadhaar. The local media will be circulating the process for getting an Aadhaar. Upon which the residents need to got to the nearest enrollment camp to register. The resident shall carry certain documents as specified in the media advertisements.

Documents that are required at the time of enrollment in general – Aadhaar application form, Residence proof, Identity proof with photo.

In process to get your Adhaar card you need to provide your Name, Date of Birth, Gender, Address, Parent/Guardian details (required for children, adults may provide), Contact details phone and email (optional), Biometric Information required, Photo, 10 finger prints, Iris.

#1 Resident goes to enrollment camp. (In coming times there might be online appointment)
#2 He/she provides residential documents to enrollment agency operator.
#3 En-roller (operator) enters resident data into system.
#4 Resident validates data entry.
#5 Face photograph of resident is captured.
#6 Iris scan is done.
#7 Fingerprint capturing of Left hand.
#8 Fingerprint capturing of Right hand.
#9 Thumb-print capture (both thumbs).
#10 En-roller (operator) signs with his own finger print.
#11 Resident receives printed acknowledgement.
#12 He/she will receive Aadhaar number is 30 – 90 days by speed post.

Some Quick Info
#1 Aadhaar helpline toll-free number is 1800-180-1947
#2 Aadhar Card Status can be checked with the Aadhaar Enrollment Number, Data and Time provided by Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) at the time of registration.
#3 As per UIDAI, aadhaar number is being delivered within 60 to 90 days after enrollment.

How AaDhaar works video in Hindi

Aadhar Cards and its Criteria

Short Film – Aadhar