Aadhaar Guide

What is Aadhaar?

Aadhaar or ‘foundation’ is a 12 digit unique identification number, which is issued to all Indian residents, and is based on an individual’s biometric data. The data is collected by the Unique Identification Authority of India, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, under Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016. AADHAR is currently the world’s largest biometric identification system.

Why Aadhaar?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his inaugural address at the International Conference on Consumer Protection in New Delhi, declared that the Aadhaar card will be hugely beneficial to Indian citizens.

In his opinion, the implementation of the Aadhaar scheme would be a win-win situation for both the government and the citizens, as the Aadhaar card would be a tool to implement equity, and would ensure the allocation of grants/subsidies to every citizen in a fair and equitable way.

Features of Aadhaar:

• It ensures universality, as the Government of India aims to make Aadhaar mandatory all over the country, and across all service providers.
• The 12 digits will form the basis of the universal identity infrastructure, which allows various service providers to make their own identity-based applications for service delivery.
• Aadhaar is envisioned to increase trust between public and private agencies and service consumers. Once the citizens enroll for Aadhaar, it will eliminate the need for service providers to perform repeated KYC checks before service delivery. It will save time and cost by reducing the documentation requirements.
• It uses a robust technology to eliminate duplicate and fake identities, and is increasingly becoming a prime identifier to plug gaps in the delivery of Govt. welfare measures and to tackle security issues.
• The clear proof of identity through Aadhaar will enable the poor and underprivileged to access services such as formal banking system, and give them an opportunity to easily access other essential services such as public distribution system, etc.
• The centralised technology will enable the portability of the authentication process and eliminate the necessity of carrying documents.

How is my Aadhaar different from my PAN?

PAN or Permanent Account Number is issued to individuals by the Indian Income Tax Department, under the supervision of The Central Board of Direct Taxes. (CBDT). It is used as a single number to track all financial transactions conducted by a resident. The most important of such financial transactions is the payment of income tax. And though it is true that the PAN is used to verify identity in various places, it is not its primary function.

On the other hand Aadhaar is an unique identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), a central agency of the Government of India. Its main purpose is to create a centralised database of every citizen residing in India. For this, it collects a person’s personal as well as biometric data, and this database can be cross referenced to identify a person anytime and anywhere. This has the potential to avoid identity fraud, as mismatch in data can be quickly detected.

A second difference between PAN card and the Aadhaar Card is the fact that Aadhaar card is only issued to citizens of India. However, it cannot be utilized as a proof of citizenship. But the PAN card is not specific to citizens. It is issued to residents, companies, trusts, NGOs and persons who conduct business within India, for which they may have to pay tax.

How is biometric verification different from linking?

Although often used interchangeably, biometric verification is different from linking. Here’s how:

Biometric Verification:

Biometric verification is authenticating the credentials of an individual against the biometric data present with the UIDAI. For example, the Biometrically Authenticated Physical Uptake (BAPU) process, recommended by the Economic Survey 2015-16 as an alternative to Direct Benefit Transfer, and based on JAM trinity for the Public Distribution System. In this beneficiaries verify their identities through scanning their thumbprint at a POS machine, to reduce leakage.

Linking:

However Linking is connecting a particular service with the data of an individual present with UIDAI. For example: linking your bank accounts, insurance policies, mutual fund portfolios and mobile number with Aadhaar.

How can I apply for Aadhaar?

• Aadhaar enrollment is free.
• You can go to any authorised Aadhaar enrollment center anywhere in India with your identity and address proof.
• UIDAI process accepts 18 PoI (Proof of Identity) and 35 PoA (Proof of Address) documents. Click here for the national valid list of documents.
• In case you do not have the above common proofs, a Certificate of Identify with photo, issued by a Gazetted Officer/Tehsildar on a letterhead is also accepted as PoI. Certificate of Address with photo, issued by MP or MLA /Gazetted Officer/Tehsildar on letterhead or by Village Panchayat head or its equivalent authority (for rural areas), is also accepted as valid PoA.
• Where there are no documents available, residents may also take the help of Introducers available at the enrollment centre. The Introducers are notified by the Registrar. For further details please contact the office of the concerned Registrar.
• For more information on Registrars and the address of the nodal officers of your concerned state/UT please Click here.
• At the enrollment center, please fill a form with your personal details. You can review the details you have provided and make corrections during enrollment itself. Your biometric data will be collected in the form of your fingerprint and iris scans. You will get an acknowledgment slip with a temporary enrollment number and other details captured during enrollment. Any correction in the enrollment data can be done within 96 hours of enrollment by visiting the enrollment centre with the acknowledgment slip.
• Aadhaar enrollment is required only once.
• Based on the information you provided, your details will be verified centrally. If your application is successful, an Aadhaar number will be generated and mailed to your address.
• The waiting time for Aadhaar may vary from 60-90 days, after receipt of resident data packets in Central Identities Data Repository (CIDR).

How to find out if I am eligible for Aadhaar?

It is important to know whether you are eligible for Aadhaar or not. Because this determines whether or not you have to compulsorily quote it for filing your tax return, and other financial transactions, where it has been made mandatory by the government. You can check your eligibility for Aadhaar on the basis of the following criteria:

• According to Aadhaar Act 2016, every Indian resident shall be entitled to obtain an Aadhaar number by submitting his demographic information and biometric info.
• The Act defines a resident as an individual who has resided in India for a period or periods, amounting in all to 182 days or more, in the 12 months immediately preceding the date of application for enrollment.

How can I enroll my children for Aadhaar?

It is wise to get your child enrolled for Aadhaar, as there may be instances where your child may be required to furnish a proof of identity and Aadhaar could be of great help.

For age less than five years:

• You are required to visit the enrollment centre, fill out the enrollment form and enclose the copies of child's birth certificate with your own Aadhaar card.
• Carry the originals for reference.
• For age less than 5 years no biometrics is recorded.
• Child’s Aadhaar cannot be made without the parent having an Aadhaar first as the child’s Aadhaar is linked with the UID of the parent. These children need to update their biometrics when they turn 5, and again when they turn 15.

For age more than five years:

• You are required to visit the enrollment centre, fill out the enrollment form, and enclose the copy of birth certificate and school's identity card or a declaration on the letter head of the institution.
• If a child is not enrolled in an educational institution, a parent's Aadhaar or a Certificate of Identity with photo issued by Gazetted Officer/Tehsildar on letterhead can be accepted as identity proof. However, birth certificate of child is mandatory in all cases.
• For address proof, certificate of Address with photo, issued by MP or MLA /Gazetted Officer/Tehsildar on letterhead or by Village Panchayat head or its equivalent authority (for rural areas), is also acceptable. No other address proof will be acceptable.
• Biometrics will be recorded at the time of the enrollment. The procedure will be repeated again when they turn 15.

How can I update my Aadhaar details?

As per the UIDAI website, there are three ways to update your Aadhaar details.

• Update online
• Update via post
• Update via nearby enrollment centre

Update online:

• Only those who have registered their mobile number with Aadhaar would be able to take this facility. This is because an OTP is used to authenticate the online transaction.
• If you are using online Self Service Update Portal (SSUP) for updation, you can update your Demographic details (Name, Address, Date of birth, Gender, Mobile & Email).

Update via post

• This is done by filling up an application form.
• Fill out the fields that require update/correction. Providing mobile number is mandatory for updation/correction in any of the fields. However, as per UIDAI website, providing email ID is optional.
• Mention clearly the fields that need to be updated.
• Duly filled application form along with the self-attested supporting documents needs to be sent to UIDAI in the address mentioned in the form.

Update via nearby enrollment centre

• You can also visit your nearest Aadhaar Enrollment Centre to get both your demographics and biometrics updated.
• For this you need to carry original documents for updation at enrollment center.

How can I get a duplicate Aadhaar in case I lost the original one?

If you have lost your Aadhaar card but you have your Aadhaar number, you can download a duplicate Aadhaar card copy online. The duplicate copy has the same validity as the original one. You can download the duplicate copy of your Aadhaar from here.

However, If you have lost your Aadhaar card Enrollment ID and don't know your AADHAAR number, you can download your Aadhaar card by following the steps below:

• Go to https://resident.uidai.gov.in/find-uid-eid
• Select appropriate option, "Aadhaar No (UID)" OR "Enrollment No (EID)", under "You want to receive your lost:".
• Enter your personal details.
• Get authenticated through the OTP sent to your mobile number.
• Now you will receive a message on your mobile with your Aadhaar card number or Enrollment Id, whichever you selected in Step 2 above.
• Now go to https://eaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/
• Select appropriate option, "Enrollment Id" OR "Aadhaar", under "I have:".
• Enter your Aadhaar card number or Enrollment Id, full name, Pin Code, security text and mobile number.
• Get authenticated through the OTP sent to your mobile number.
• Now you have downloaded your e-Aadhaar card. Enter your Pin Code as the password when you open the PDF document.

How to protect myself from identity theft while using Aadhaar?

Aadhaar had been envisioned to be an unique identifier for Indian residents. At present it is the biggest biometric database of the world. As the database contains a lot of sensitive data, it is important to implement a robust identification mechanism to prevent and/or adequately remedy identity theft.

How to lock Aadhaar number?

The Aadhaar Biometric Locking System can be used to protect the privacy of your Aadhaar data. Misuse of your Aadhaar number can be prevented by getting your biometrics locked.

The steps are as follows:

• Visit the Aadhaar locking website
• Enter your 12 digit Aadhaar number.
• Get verified with the OTP sent to your mobile.
• Log in and click on “Enable” tab to lock you Aadhaar biometric credentials.

How to unlock Aadhaar number?

The steps are as follows:

• Visit the Aadhaar locking website
• Enter your 12 digit Aadhaar number.
• Get verified with the OTP sent to your mobile.
• Click on the “Unlock” tab to unlock you Aadhaar biometric credentials.

As Aadhaar is an important multi-purpose identity proof, staying vigilant about its custody and usage can save you from being a victim of identity theft.

Where It Should Be Linked?

Financial Services:

Bank Account

Quoting of Aadhaar is necessary for conducting a variety of banking transactions. Whether it’s account opening or financial transactions above Rs. 50,000/-, your Aaadhar number is used for authentication. For new account opening, Aadhaar is mandatory.

Mutual Fund Investments

With the advent of Aadhaar card the process of investing in mutual funds has become simpler.

There are multiple ways of linking Aadhaar with mutual fund portfolio:

CAMs or Karvy

These are the registrar and transfer agents of mutual funds that record all the transactions of the investors. In order to ease the process both CAMs and Karvy will link the folios with Aadhaar. Therefore investors don't have to separately link the Aadhar with each mutual fund folio.

Online mode

• CAMs investors can click on the link
• Karvy investors can click on the link

Physical mode

You can download the KYC forms from the website, and visit the nearest branch of the CAMs or Karvy or the asset management company, and submit the form.

Insurance

Your insurance policies can be linked to your Aadhaar by logging on to the website of the insurance company or by contacting their customer service department. This linking ensures that your interaction with your insurer will be smooth and hassle free. As your personal information will be verified from the central database of UIDAI, it will eliminate chances of data entry error and requirement of unnecessary document handling.

For example, with ICICI Lombard, the linking of your Aadhaar and PAN number to your motor, travel, health or home insurance policy is a simple process. You can complete the linking in a few steps by clicking here and by providing the required information.

Provident Fund:

Linking of Aadhaar with the pension account can be done in the following 2 ways:

Offline linking of EPF to Aadhaar:

The EPF Aadhaar Seeding Application form can be used to fill in all your details and submit it to the EPFO office. You need to submit self-attested copies of your UAN, PAN and Aadhaar with the application. Once your Aadhaar and EPF account is linked, you will be informed through your mobile or email ID.

Online linking of EPF to Aadhaar:

Login to the EPFO Unified EPF Portal by using the UAN number and password. From the drop down menu, select KYC. Fill in the required details. Once your details are verified by the organisation, the linking will be complete.

Filing Income Tax Returns

The Income Tax Department has made it easy for taxpayers to link their PAN with Aadhaar with just a 2 step process. They are as follows:

Step 1

Visit www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in and click on the link on the left pane – Link Aadhaar.

Step 2

In the link, provide your PAN and Aadhaar number, and submit. After verification from UIDAI, the linking will be complete.

As per the Finance Act 2017, Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) had made it mandatory to quote Aadhaar number for filing income tax returns.

Identification:

Voter ID

Linking of Aadhaar with you voter ID can be done through the following steps:

1. NVSP Portal

• Visit the official NVSP website and enter your state, district, and personal details such as name, date of birth and father’s name.
• Click on the “Search” button. Check your details displayed on screen.
• Click on the “Feed Aadhaar No”, whereupon a pop-up window will appear, where you have to feed in your name as per your Aadhaar card, your EPIC number, Aadhaar number, and your registered mobile number/registered email address.
• Click “submit”.

2. SMS

• Send the following SMS format to 166 OR 51969: ECILINK < EPIC_Number > < Aadhaar_Number >.
• For example, ECILINK XYZ1234567 543215678, where “XYZ1234567” is the Aadhaar number and “543215678” is the APIC number.

3. Phone

• Call 1950 on weekdays between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm and provide your EPIC and Aadhaar card information to link the two.

4. Booth Level Officers:

• Submit an application to your respective Booth Level Officer (BLO).
• The BLO will conduct a door-to-door survey.
• After collection of the info it will be sent for processing.

After submitting your details through any of the above methods, you can check the status of your application by visiting the NVSP portal, and entering the information as mentioned in the section “Seeding Through NVSP Portal”.

Mobile SIM Cards

A user need not link Aadhaar with mobile if he opts for eKYC. It is an Aadhaar-based activation process, which uses biometrics at the time of taking new connections. Apart from this, it is compulsory for prepaid and postpaid subscribers to complete the eKYC process.

The Aadhaar card can be linked to a SIM card using the following steps:

• Visit the nearest centre of your respective telecom operator.
• Submit the mobile number and Aadhaar card details.
• Get the 4-digit verification code, which is an OTP to the user’s mobile number from the re-verification application.
• The user has to submit the OTP to store executive and provide biometrics.
• The user will receive an SMS after 24 hours. Reply “Y” to complete the e-KYC process.

Driving License and Registration

The linking of Aadhaar with your Driving License and Registration can be done through the Road and Transport Department websites of all states:

• Visit the website.
• Select the ''Aadhaar Number Entry''.
• Select the ''Search Element'' as Registration number or License.
• Enter your Registration or License number selected.
• Click on the ''Get Details" icon and your vehicle details will be shown.
• You will be shown an Aadhaar number and mobile number column.
• Enter your 12 digits Aadhaar number with valid phone number.
• Click on submit and confirmation message will be sent to your mobile number.

Aadhaar Enabled Biometric Attendance System

This system allows organisations to create a centralised database of attendance for their organisation, by pulling data from the Aadhaar database. It can be created by following these steps:

• The nodal officer in an organisation needs to submit the duly processed request to attendance.gov.in portal. After the completion of formalities, he will be issued an user name and password.
• The nodal officer then needs to login to attendance.gov.in, and create a master list of locations of their offices, designation of their offices, and divisions/units/groups within their organisation.
• After this the employee can start registering on-line either at attendance.gov.in by submitting their details along with their Aadhaar number.

Public Welfare

Social Security Schemes:

• The Government has mandated the furnishing of Aadhaar number for taking benefit from all social security schemes.
• The deadline for linking Aadhaar with various government schemes was originally December 31, 2017 but this has now been extended to March 31, 2018.

Death Certificate:

• Aadhaar numbers have been made a pre-requisite for the issuance of death certificates. This rule has come into force from October 1, 2017. It applies to all states, except Jammu & Kashmir, Meghalaya and Assam; they will also be covered under this rule, but at a later date.
• If the deceased does not possess Aadhaar, the person applying for the certificate will have to provide a certificate stating the same.

LPG Subsidy:

• To get LPG subsidy for cooking gas (LPG), the Government has mandated that proof of possession of Aadhaar needs to be given. Only then will the subsidy amount be transferred to the account of the concerned person.
• The Government currently gives subsidised rates for 12 cylinders of 14.2 kg per household in a year.

Concessional Railway Ticket Booking:

• Indian Railways offers concessional ticket rates to people falling in more than 50 categories such as eminent artists, senior citizens and sports persons.
• From July 1, 2017 any person looking to get these rates will have to show their Aadhaar cards.

What Are The Benefits Of Linking?

Smooth Identification Process

• Aadhaar linkage to essential services will help in bringing about a more streamlined process. Moreover, it will eliminate the need of multiple documents for verification purposes.
• The individual will only need to give his/her Aadhaar number, and all his personal as well as biometric details can be accessed from the centralised database, by an authorised entity.

Better Delivery of Social Security

• An Aadhaar number is unique to the person it belongs to. The biometric details of the card holder are stored in a database corresponding to their Aadhaar number. Hence, chances of the account holder being a fake are almost nil.
• This will help immensely in eliminating fraud and better delivering social benefits to those who really need it.

Direct Benefit Transfer and Prevention of Leakage

Direct benefit transfer is a great benefit that comes with Aadhaar. With Aadhaar-enabled bank accounts, government subsidies and monetary benefits from other welfare schemes can now be directly credited to the concerned person’s bank account. This plugs leakages and makes the whole system more efficient.

Preventing Tax Evasion

• It is now compulsory to link bank accounts and PAN cards with Aadhaar; it is also necessary for filing tax returns. Doing so has widened the tax net and reduced the number of fake PAN cards, thereby contributing to reduction in cases of tax evasion.
• The linkage will also enable the Government to keep an eye on the assessee’s expenditure and his declared income.

Ensuring National Security

The centralised Aadhaar database can be used by the law enforcement and defence agencies of India, to track elements that have destructive designs towards our nation.

Deadlines to watch out for: