The Aadhaar identification platform is the cornerstone of ‘Digital India’. It has been designed to provide every person with a unique identification number called Aadhaar. Aadhaar Card is India’s most popular proof of identity, comprising personal details such as a citizen’s address, fingerprints, and eye scans. It is used for everything from opening bank accounts to filing taxes to booking tickets. The card has become a crucial component of the Indian identification system and is used by many government officials across the country.
Aadhaar cards can be used to apply for licences, pay bills, and obtain certain documents. People use Aadhaar cards for many different purposes. While the Indian government encourages the numerous Aadhaar services through public awareness campaigns, few users are aware of them. This post will explain how you can use Aadhaar services with an Aadhaar card.
Key Takeaways
- Aadhaar is a vital policy instrument for financial and social inclusion, public service delivery reforms, financial budget management, increased convenience, and hassle-free people-centric government.
- Aside from being a world-class biometrics-based identifying system, Aadhaar provides several benefits to the general public.
- While the Indian government promotes several Aadhaar online services via public awareness efforts, many users are unaware of more than a handful of them.
What is an Aadhaar Card?
The Aadhaar card holds a unique 12-digit randomised number provided by the UIDAI to Indian residents who have completed the authority’s verification procedure. Regardless of age or gender, any resident of India may freely enrol to get an Aadhaar card. One must give basic demographic and biometric data during the free enrolling procedure. Since biographic and demographic deduplication ensures uniqueness, people can register once for Aadhaar, and after deduplication, only one Aadhaar card is generated for an individual.
The Aadhaar card has become synonymous with the Digital India campaign, and rightly so. The Indian government wants every citizen to have a card to get their due benefits. India is joining the list of countries that have implemented biometrics to identify citizens for permanent resident status and other benefits. This is the first programme of its kind in the world and one of the primary foundations of ‘Digital India.
Did You Know?
An Aadhaar number is available only to Indian citizens? Overseas Indians and Non-Resident Indians are ineligible for an Aadhaar Number.
Aadhaar Online Services
Aadhaar online services, also known as e-Aadhaar, have made things easier by enabling citizens to avail of Aadhaar services online. For example, it allows users to enrol in Aadhaar, check the status of their Aadhaar card, or download their Aadhaar card online. It can also be used for checking Aadhaar authentication history. Moreover, citizens can also check if their biometrics are locked/unlocked using Aadhaar online services.
If you know how to use Aadhaar online services correctly, they can prove helpful in your everyday life. You can use Aadhaar online services for:
- Aadhaar Verification
You can verify Aadhaar IDs online to ensure that they are legitimate and have not been deleted. You can use this service to verify your or a family member’s Aadhaar card.
- Registered Number or Mail Verification
Using online Aadhaar services, you can check your mail address and a registered mobile number during enrollment or the most recent Aadhaar data update. This service is handy if you want to alter your registered phone number or email address after purchasing a new phone.
- Retrieve Aadhaar
Online Aadhaar enabled services allow you to retrieve your Aadhaar number from your registered mobile number if you misplace your card.
- Virtual ID Generator
VID or Virtual ID is a revocable temporary 16-digit randomised number linked to the Aadhaar number of an individual. It can be utilised instead of an Aadhaar card number while verifying e-KYC procedures. However, VID cannot be used to generate an Aadhaar number. Due to its temporary nature, you can use it to sign into third-party websites that require evidence of ID.
Other Aadhaar Online Services that you can avail:
Offline Verification of Aadhaar
Paperless Aadhaar e-KYC is a safe, shareable document that can be utilised for offline identification verification by any Aadhaar cardholder. If you are in an area where the internet is unavailable or if you are uncomfortable with online documents, this service is designed for you.
Aadhaar Linking Status
You may also check the status of your Aadhaar and bank account pairing. Aadhaar linking status is obtained from the NPCI server.
Secure your Biometrics
Owners of an Aadhaar card can safeguard their biometric security by encrypting their biometrics. This service allows you to lock and unlock your biometrics based on your preference. You can always choose to unlock them later if you want to lock them for now and vice versa.
Authentication History
On your Aadhaar, you may examine up to 50 prior authentication transactions. This tool is handy to know where your Aadhaar was recently authenticated.
Lock or Unlock your Aadhaar
This service allows cardholders to lock and unlock their Aadhaar numbers. Individuals who lock their Aadhaar Numbers would be unable to do any authentication using their Aadhaar Card. However, residents can use Virtual ID to authenticate themselves. If you wish to lock them for now, you can always open them later and vice versa.
SMS Aadhaar Services
You may get Aadhaar services by texting 1947 from your registered mobile phone. It simplifies Aadhaar number usage, especially for the senior generation, who prefer SMS to internet Aadhaar services.
Aadhaar is one of the fascinating innovations of recent times. The UIDAI has helped the government in several sectors, especially in the facilitation and management of social welfare schemes, as it eliminates duplication and provides all-inclusive details of citizens.
Words to remember
m-Aadhaar App:
m-Aadhaar App is an Android and iOS application where you can carry your Aadhaar Card on your phone. Aadhaar services can be accessed with no hassle through this secured application. All you need to do is register yourself once and then use it even in the offline mode.
Conclusion
If you have an Aadhaar card, you are most likely aware of all the Aadhaar services you can use this card. These online Aadhaar services save time and money, making your life simpler. The best part is that you can access these services from the comfort of your home.
So, make sure you make the best use of this convenient method of receiving government services. Also, remember to regularly update your contact information with the UIDAI so that they are aware of your new address or any other contact/identification information changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your e-Aadhaar passcode is a combination of your name’s first four letters in caps and your birth year.
To see an e-Aadhaar, users must have the Adobe Reader software.
To find the Local Enrolment Centre near your location, you need to log in to the UIDAI website and find the centre based on your state, locality, and district.
Alternatively, if you are looking for Aadhaar Services near me, visit the UIDAI website for information on using the services.
VID does not yet have an expiration date. A VID will be effective till the Aadhaar card holder generates a new VID.
What are the Aadhaar services charges?
Here is a chart of the active Aadhaar services charges:
| Aadhaar Service | Charges |
| Mandatory Biometric Update | 0 INR |
| Biometric Update | 100 INR (Inclusive of GST) |
| Demographic Update | 50 INR (Inclusive of GST) |
| Aadhaar Enrolment | 0 INR |
| Aadhaar Update & Colour Print-out | 30 INR (Inclusive of GST) |
This is the list of charges for Aadhaar Services available through Aadhaar Seva Kendra.
Read more about Smart Aadhaar Card.
