What is an Aadhar card & how does it help?

How is an Aadhaar card issued?

To issue an Aadhaar card, the UIDAI collects the biometric i.e. fingerprint, photograph, iris scan and demographic data of residents, (residential address) for its database. From this centralised database, a 12-digit unique identity number is issued to each resident after verification and processing.

What purpose does an Aadhaar card serve?

In government departments, Aadhaar can work as a sole identification document without the need for multiple documents. It can come handy when transferring money related to social benefit schemes directly to a beneficiary’s account. One of the many aims of Aadhaar is to put an end to corruption and laundering.

Additional Read : How to Apply For E-Aadhaar Card: A Step-By-Step Guide

What are the benefits of an Aadhaar card?

The advantages of an Aadhaar card are manifold. Aadhaar card can act as a sole identification document for various purposes. It can also simplify the process of getting direct benefits from social benefit schemes. Some of these include-

1. Instant Bank Account
You can now open a bank account with the help of an Aadhaar card. An Aadhaar serves both as a residence as well as identity proof. You will only need to submit your Aadhaar proof at the bank to open an account effortlessly.

2. LPG Subsidy
Under the government scheme 'Pahal', your bank account will be directly credited with the LPG subsidy with the help of the Aadhaar card. For this, you will need to link your Aadhaar number to the 17-digit LPG consumer number for availing the facility.

3. Passport
Your Aadhaar card can also help you get a passport within 10 days. It can serve as a complete identification document for a quick and easy process.

4. Pension
Senior citizens can now get their pensions in a timely manner with the help of the Aadhaar card. Through the Aadhaar card, pensioners can get Digital Life Certificates too. This will eliminate the need of their physical presence for receiving the pension.

Additional Read : How to Link Your Aadhaar Card With Your PAN & Mobile Number?

Taking the whole country under its ambit, Aadhaar card will soon be an analogue to the US Social Security Number. The Central government has allocated benefits of Aadhaar card to all Indian residents regardless of their social and economic status. It will aim to provide grants and subsidies to every resident without being partial. The Aadhaar card will not only be the sole document for facilitating various procedures; it could make people’s life simpler and convenient.