Aadhaar and Its Benefits

Aadhaar is a 12-digit Unique Identification Code issued by The Government of India to the citizens of the country. The Aadhaar cards and Identification numbers are managed by the Unique Identification Authority of India.

Aadhaar is essentially a single identification document issued by UIDAI which records every citizen’s details including biometric and demographic data. Even Banks, financial institutions and telecom companies can also use it as a Know-Your-Customer (KYC) verification mode and maintain profiles. Aadhaar is not a replacement for any other identity documents such as passports, permanent account numbers (PANs), driving licenses and ration cards. However, Aadhaar can be used as the sole identification proof when applying for other things.

Benefits of Aadhaar

The Aadhaar program was launched in 2009 with an objective of providing Universal identity to every citizen of India. A lot of debate is going around the biometric details for the enrollment is a breach of privacy. However, the identification card has many perks:

• Easy Passport – Obtaining a passport takes plenty of time, as it involves getting an appointment with the authorities, processing your application, dispatching of the passport and police verification checks. But with the help of Aadhaar card, obtaining a passport becomes very easy and it can be done in 10 days.

• Bank Accounts – With the help of an Aadhaar Card, opening a bank account can be done in a flash that too without carrying multiple identification proofs. All the financial institutions consider Aadhaar card to be a valid identification proof in the time of opening an account.

• Monthly pension on time – Aadhaar card is a boon to the older people as they may find the documentation process inconvenient. But by just registering unique identification number will ensure timely pension.

• Jeevan Praman for Pensioners – Jeevan Praman for pensioners also known as Digital Life Certificate, launched by PM Narendra Modi. The main purpose behind launching the Digital Life Certificate is to scrap the mandation of the presence of the pensioners to be physically present at the time of receiving pension.

• Jan Dhan Yojana – Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana which ensures access to various financial services such as basic savings account, remittances facility etc, to the poor section of the city. To open a Jan Dhan account, only Aadhaar card number is required.

• Provident Fund – Those who have linked their Aadhaar cards with Pensions account can have their Provident Fund transferred directly to their account. This will save a lot of time and effort of the pensioner.

• LPG and other Subsidies – If the Aadhaar card number is linked with LPG connection, one can receive the subsidy amount directly to their account. No need to register separately for every government benefit.

Considering the growing usage of the card as Government has mandated it to avail any of the Government services or schemes, it is suggested that owning this unique identification number will be useful .in the long run.