What is Aadhaar?
Aadhaar, a 12-digit unique identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), is given to every resident of India. Serving as a valid proof of identity and address, Aadhaar enables access to a span of government and non-government services, including banking, telecommunications, education, healthcare, and more. The system is complexly connected to a biometric database that stores the fingerprints and iris scans of the enrolled individuals. To know more about Aadhaar, read here: https://blog.tax2win.in/aadhaar-card
Eligibility to obtain Aadhaar
The eligibility criteria for Aadhaar enrolment are as follows:
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The applicant is an Indian resident residing in India.
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The applicant is a non resident Indian living in India
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The applicant is an OCI cardholder with a valid foreign passport and should have stayed in India for at least 182 days in the last 12 months.
Aadhaar is a voluntary and free service that aims to provide a unique and verifiable identity to every resident of India. Aadhaar is not a citizenship document and does not confer any rights or privileges to the holder.
Benefits of Aadhaar
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Signing legal documents electronically: Aadhaar can be used to sign documents online using e-sign services, which are legally valid and secure.
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Opening a bank account with minimal documents: Aadhaar is the sole document for opening a bank account without needing any other paperwork.
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Accessing provident funds, LPG connections, subsidies, and scholarships: Aadhaar is linked to various government schemes and services, such as provident funds, LPG connections, subsidies, and scholarships, to ensure direct and hassle-free delivery of benefits to the beneficiaries.
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Applying for a passport easily: Aadhaar can expedite obtaining a passport, as it can be proof of identity, address, and date of birth.
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Having a universally acceptable proof of identity, address, and age: Aadhaar is accepted as a valid proof of identity, address, and age by any service provider or agency across the country.
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Having a unique and portable number linked to biometrics: Aadhaar is a 12-digit number unique to every resident and cannot be duplicated or forged. It is also portable and can be accessed from anywhere using biometric authentication.
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Including those without ID proof: Aadhaar can help enroll those without identity documents, such as the poor and marginalized, using the introducer system. This can enable them to access various services and benefits that require ID proof.
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Using self-service facility to update information: Aadhaar holders can use the self-service portal or the mAadhaar app to update their personal information, such as an address, mobile number, email, etc., without visiting any enrolment center.