The Aadhaar card gives its bearer a single unique 12-digit number that provides proof of identity for a variety of services. The card is becoming accepted in more and more places and it is growing increasingly important as identification in a number of government schemes.
The aim of the Aadhaar card is to provide one simple tool to identify an individual in numerous situations. Since its introduction, its importance, versatility and usefulness have increased beyond what its creators could originally have foreseen. The government has shown support for the project, making the card a useful item in a number of different scenarios. The time will come when the 12-digit number will be not just useful, but essential for many aspects of life.
There is no age limit on applying for an Aadhaar card, and residents of any caste or religion can apply – the aim is to enable every Indian citizen to be identified, and given equal rights. The number on the card is entirely random, with no reference to caste, class, religion or location. The same card and 12-digit number can be used in any part of the country, saving card bearers from having to worry if they have the right documents with them in another state.
Instead of carrying around a whole collection of cards, all a resident will need is their 12-digit number. You won’t need to take your PAN card to open a bank account, then a ration card for food, and your drivers license to have a new LPG gas connection established. Instead of using all these different cards (and more) just to prove your identity, you will only need to carry your Aadhaar card. Eventually, this could be the only card you’ll need.
Schemes that allow you to use the resident identification number include the Aadhaar-based Direct Benefit Transfer which enables a member to have the LPG subsidy amount directly deposited to their bank account, the Digital Locker which enables citizens to store all personal documents on the government’s server linked to the 12-digit resident identification number.
The Aadhaar card also helps to prevent fraud. At election time, the resident identification number is linked to the voter ID, to prevent fraudulent voting. Pensioners in some areas will register their card number with their department to receive the monthly pension, to prevent fake beneficiaries claiming the pensions.
The number also allows you to register for a passport in just ten days. For those with an Aadhaar card, police verification is completed after the application is processed, saving valuable time and letting you travel sooner.
It will also be easier to open a bank account, as banks now accept the Aadhaar letter as proof of identity, and in some cases as proof of address. The outstanding Guinness World Record holding Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana program takes the Aadhaar card as identification to open an account.
In short, the Aadhaar card is useful in every part of life, and will only continue to become more essential.