Aadhar Scheme

This is being implemented by the UIDAI(Unique Identification Authority of India).

Aadhar is a unique 12-digit number (not a card) for all residents of our country. This number will be linked to the person's demographic and biometric information(No info related to race, religion, caste, income, language or health). A resident can use his Aadhaar number to identify himself anywhere in the country in order to access certain benefits and services (the main objective).


Govt's Aim :
To provide a card with a unique number associated with it, so that it will help the Govt. to deliver effectively on its social sector schemes.


Govt has brought National Identification Authority Bill in the Parliament to give UIDAI a statutory status. According to the provisions of the bill -

• A National Identification Authority of India (NIAI) will also be set up to issue Aadhar (the unique number).
• Information will be stored in Central Identities Data Repository
• Identity Review Committee will be set up to monitor the usage pattern of the Aadhar numbers.
• Sharing of data is prohibited 

Issues -

• The bill does not make it mandatory to have Aadhar. However, it also does not prevent any service provider to make Aadhar mandatory requirement to provide service. -- Recently EPFO made it mandatory for new PF accounts.
• The safeguards provided for misuse of the information might not be adequate. 
• The safeguards provided for protection of privacy differ from the SC guidelines on telephone tapping.
• The bill states that no court shall take up any case of offence except on a complaint made by the NIAI. Can lead to conflict of interest.
• Demographic and biometric info to be recorded is to be decided by regulation (no parliamentary approval here)

Aadhar in Use

Aadhar enabled Service Delivery