Aadhaar Card

Aadhaar is a 12-digit-long unique identification number that is issued to every Indian citizen. The term ‘Aadhaar’ is Hindi for ‘base’ or ‘foundation’. A government body known as the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has been set up to overlook every matter related to Aadhaar, including the issuance of Aadhaar cards and enrolment for one through Aadhaar Enrollment Centres that are all over the country. While applying for an Aadhaar card, an Indian resident has to submit their demographic and biometric details.

The Aadhaar is more than just a unique number and can be used for various official and unofficial purposes. Read on to know the eligibility criteria laid out by UIDAI to apply for Aadhaar card:

• Applicant must be an Indian citizen

• The Aadhaar card can be availed by every Indian citizen. Recently, the Government of India made it mandatory for all taxpayers in India to link their PAN and Aadhaar cards. This has been done with the idea of conveniently tracking the background of the taxpayer, especially when filing Income Tax Returns (ITR).

• The Aadhaar card does not serve as any kind of citizenship proof. It is a unique identification number that contains the biometric data of an individual. This aspect enables foreigners and non-resident Indians to avail themselves of the Aadhaar card even though they are not citizens of the country.

• A non-resident or foreigner can be eligible for the Aadhaar card if he/she has resided in the country for a minimum of 182 days in the last 12 months.

The Aadhaar card is also available for minors. Guardians have to provide the birth certificate of the minor and proof of identification of parents. One must note that if the child is under the age of 5 at the time of applying, no biometric data is necessary. But, the biometric details of the child have to be updated as soon as they turn 5 years of age. The child will also be required to update the same once again at age 15. The Aadhaar card issued to children below the age of 5 years is known as Baal Aadhaar.

To apply for an Aadhaar card, an individual needs a valid identity proof as well as an address proof. The documents that could qualify as identity as well as address proofs are as follows:

• Identity Proof: Ration card, PAN card, passport, voter’s ID, driving licence

• Address Proof: Voter’s ID, passport, driving licence, utility bill, ration card, bank passbook.

To check the Aadhaar card application status online, the individual must:

• Step 1: Visit the official UIDAI website and then click on the “Check Aadhaar Status” button that can be found in the “Get Aadhaar” section.

• Step 2: Next, the applicant must enter their enrolment number and the security code.

• Step 3:If the Aadhaar card of the individual has been generated, he/she will be shown their Aadhaar details as well as the status of delivery.

When the application processing of your Aadhaar card is complete, it is dispatched to your given residential address. You can also download Aadhaar card online by simply using one of the following given methods on the official portal:

• Aadhaar number

• Name and date of birth

• Registered mobile number

• Enrolment number (EID)

• Virtual ID

For those cardholders who want a sturdier Aadhaar card with more privacy-centric features, UIDAI has introduced a new variant. This variant is known as the Aadhaar PVC card and the user can apply for it through the UIDAI website. It must be noted that this process will attract a nominal charge of ₹50.

The main security features of the Aadhaar PVC card are:

• Embossed Aadhaar Logo

• Print date and issue date will be mentioned

• Ghost image

• Micro text

• Hologram

• Secure QR code

Baal Aadhaar cards are issued to minors or newborn children. This particular card is blue in colour and does not include any biometric information, unlike the ones issued to adults. Parents with valid Aadhaar cards can apply for the same on behalf of their child if they want to.

• Step 1: Visit the UIDAI website and find the nearest enrolment centre. Then, they must visit the same with the birth certificate of the child.

• Step 2: Fill up the Baal Aadhaar application form available out there with all relevant details in addition to a mobile number that the parents wish to link the Baal Aadhaar with.

• Step 3: Then, a photograph of the child/ minor will be taken at the centre. If the child is under 5 years of age, no biometric data will be recorded.

• Step 4: After completing the above steps, the parents must collect the acknowledgement slip.

• Step 5: A verification text will then be sent to the mobile number provided while applying. The Baal Aadhaar will then be dispatched to the designated address and will reach the same within a few weeks.

• Step 6: One must note that in order to apply for the Baal Aadhaar card, one of the parents must compulsorily submit their Aadhaar card details while doing so. The Baal Aadhaar card will be linked to this particular adult Aadhaar card.

The uses and benefits of an Aadhaar card are:

• Proof of Address/Residence: The Aadhaar card includes the permanent residential address of the cardholder, hence it can be used as a valid proof of residence. It means that the individual can furnish the Aadhaar card as a residence proof while applying for credit cards, home loans, personal loans, making market investments or even applying for government subsidy schemes.

• Valid Identity Proof: All government and non-government organisations accept the Aadhaar card as an official identity card as well since it includes the photograph and the biometric details of the individual. It also comes with a QR code that helps the authorities verify the provided information.

• Government Subsidy: The government has launched several subsidies to support different sections of society. To take advantage of these schemes, it is now compulsory for an individual to link their bank account with Aadhaar card. It is compulsory because now the government only credits the subsidy amount into an Aadhar-linked bank account.

• Bank Account: An individual now has to share PAN and Aadhaar details while opening a savings/current account with a bank from any sector.

• Investments: Since the introduction of Aadhaar, mutual fund houses and brokerage firms have mandated the completion of e-KYC for the purpose of opening an investment account with them. Only after the individual completes the e-KYC process and has shared the Aadhaar number, the investment account becomes operational.

• Income Tax Returns: The Income Tax department has also made it mandatory for an individual to share their Aadhaar number while making income tax payments and filing income tax returns.

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