Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is a statutory body established in 2009 under the Government of India. It issues and manages unique identification numbers, known as Aadhaar, to residents. Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identification number that serves as proof of identity and residence.

UIDAI collects and maintains biometric and demographic data, safeguarding privacy and confidentiality. Aadhaar has become a cornerstone in India's identity authentication and social welfare programs, promoting financial inclusion and transparent governance.

Table of Content

• ⇾ UIDAI Highlights
• ⇾ Brief History of UIDAI
• ⇾ Objectives of UIDAI
• ⇾ UIDAI Ecosystem
• ⇾ Services Provided by UIDAI
• ⇾ UIDAI Organisational Structure
• ⇾ UIDAI Regional Offices
• ⇾ Grievances Redressal of UIDAI
• ⇾ UIDAI Aadhaar & m-Aadhaar
• ⇾ Masked Aadhaar
• ⇾ Download Aadhaar on UIDAI
• ⇾ e-Aadhaar Download
• ⇾ Masked Aadhaar Download
• ⇾ Order Aadhaar PVC Card on UIDAI
• ⇾ Frequently Asked Questions

UIDAI Highlights

The UIDAI has revolutionised the identity management system in India through its initiative, the Aadhaar. Here are a few highlights of the UIDAI so far:

1. Reach and Impact:

• Over 1.35 billion residents enrolled, becoming the world's largest biometric ID system.
• Facilitates targeted government subsidies, ‌enhancing transparency.
• Streamlines processes like bank account opening, mobile verification, and tax filing.
• Enables digital signature services, e-KYC, and electronic document sharing.

2. Key Features:

• Uniqueness: Each Aadhaar number is unique, eliminating any chance for duplicates.
• Authentication: Securely verifies identity using fingerprint or iris scan.
• Offline Verification: It is available without the internet which enhances accessibility.
• Privacy and Security: Stringent data protection measures are in place to safeguard personal information.

3. Challenges and Controversies:

• It has faced privacy concerns and potential misuse of biometric data.
• Exclusion of vulnerable populations due to lack of documentation.
• Balancing national security with individual privacy remains a challenge.

4. Looking Ahead:

• Focus on enhancing security and expanding Aadhaar functionalities.
• Integration with other government schemes for wider applicability.
• Continuous improvement of data protection and privacy safeguards.

Brief History of UIDAI

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) was established in 2009 under the Planning Commission, which is now known as NITI Aayog to create a unique identification system for every Indian resident. This journey can be summarised in the following key milestones:

Early Steps (2006-2009):

• 2006: A Group of Ministers were formed to explore national identity initiatives.
• 2009: UIDAI was established under the National Population Register Act, of 2003.
• 2009: Nandan Nilekani was appointed as Chairman, bringing his expertise in technology and governance.

Implementation and Growth (2010-present):

• 2010: Aadhaar pilot project launched in Maharashtra.
• 2011: Aadhaar Act passed, providing the legal framework for UIDAI and Aadhaar.
• 2014: Aadhaar was made mandatory for various government schemes and services.
• 2016: UIDAI becomes a statutory authority under the Aadhaar Act (Amendment) Act, 2016.
• 2023: Over 1.35 billion residents enrolled in Aadhaar, exceeding initial estimates.

Objectives of UIDAI

The objective of UIDAI aims to use Aadhaar for enhanced governance, citizen empowerment, and socio-economic progress in India through digital identity:

• To offer a distinct identity to every citizen and eradicate counterfeit or duplicate identities.
• To simplify identity verification and authentication in a convenient and cost-efficient manner.

UIDAI Ecosystem

The UIDAI ecosystem comprises a diverse group of entities working together to make Aadhaar function seamlessly. Let's delve into the key players and their roles:

1. Registrars: These are government agencies, banks, or trusted entities, authorised by UIDAI to enrol individuals for Aadhaar. They collect your demographic and biometric information, ensuring everything adheres to strict security protocols.
2. Enrollment Agencies: These agencies, appointed by Registrars, are the ones collecting your information with precision. They follow stringent data privacy regulations and secure protocols to guarantee your information's safety.
3. Authentication User Agencies (AUAs): These are organisations that use the Aadhaar for verification. These can be government agencies and banks to telecom companies that rely on Aadhaar to confirm your identity for various services. They sign agreements with UIDAI to ensure responsible usage.
4. Authentication Service Providers (ASPs): They are the technical backbone of authentication. These entities provide the infrastructure and support to AUAs. They securely share and store your Aadhaar data, ensuring the integrity of the entire authentication process.
5. Biometric Service Providers (BSPs): Certified by UIDAI, they provide the technology and expertise for collecting and storing your biometric data during enrollment, adhering to stringent security standards.
6. Telecom Service Providers (TSPs): TSPs are mobile network operators that play a crucial role in mobile KYC verification using Aadhaar, making life easier and more secure.
7. Managed Service Providers (MSPs): These entities provide vital IT and security services to the ecosystem, managing data storage, network operations, and cybersecurity solutions. They are certified by UIDAI and meet rigorous security requirements.
8. UIDAI: The central authority - UIDAI coordinates the entire ecosystem. They set policies, monitor, address concerns, issue Aadhaar numbers, and manage the Aadhaar database, ensuring everything runs smoothly and securely.

Services Provided by UIDAI

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) offers a range of essential services. These services cater to both individuals and various government and private entities, aiming to simplify processes, enhance security, and promote financial inclusion.

1. Aadhaar Enrollment:

• Individuals: Residents can enrol for Aadhaar at any Aadhaar Seva Kendra across the country. The process involves collecting demographic and biometric data (fingerprints, iris scans) for unique identification. You can download, check, order an Aadhaar PVC card and check its status.

2. Aadhaar Update:

• Individuals: Residents can update their demographic information (address, phone number) or biometric data if needed at enrolment centres. They can check Aadhaar update status and Aadhaar update history.

3. Aadhaar Authentication:

• Authentication User Agencies (AUAs): Government agencies, banks, telecom companies, and other authorised entities can use Aadhaar for secure identity verification.

4. e-KYC Services:

• Individuals: Use Aadhaar for paperless verification of identity and address for various services like opening bank accounts, getting mobile SIM cards, etc.

5. Digital Signature Services:

• Individuals and Organisations: Digitally sign documents electronically using Aadhaar for enhanced security and authenticity.

6. Offline Verification:

• Individuals: Verify Aadhaar identity even without internet connectivity using Aadhaar card and OTP-based verification.

7. Aadhaar Lock and Unlock:

• Individuals: Temporarily lock or unlock their Aadhaar biometrics to prevent misuse and maintain control over their information.

8. Grievance Redressal:

• Individuals: Report any issues or concerns related to Aadhaar through various channels for prompt resolution.

UIDAI Organisational Structure

UIDAI operates through a two-tier structure. The central Head Office in New Delhi, led by the CEO and eight Deputy Directors General, managing key areas like Technology and Operations. Each DDG is further supported by an Assistant Director General (ADG), Deputy Directors, Section Officers and Assistant Section Officers.

The eight regional offices across India are headed by a DDG, handle local implementation and mirror the structure of the Head Office. They are further supported by an Assistant Director General, section officers, assistant section officers, senior accounts officer, accountant and personal staff. Additionally, the UIDAI Authority provides strategic direction, and advisory committees offer expert feedback.

This structure aims for efficient management, clear communication, and informed decision-making, but remember, the website might not reflect the latest changes. For the most up-to-date information, contact UIDAI directly.

UIDAI Regional Offices

There are eight UIDAI regional offices across the country; these offices have specific states under their jurisdiction. The eight regional offices are:

• Mumbai: Which looks after Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Dadar & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu.
• Delhi: Which looks after Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Uttarakhand and Rajasthan
• Bengaluru: Which looks after Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, Lakshadweep and Karnataka.
• Chandigarh: Which looks after Chandigarh, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh.
• Guwahati: Which looks after Tripura and Sikkim, Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
• Hyderabad: Which looks after Andaman and Nicobar, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh.
• Lucknow: Which looks after Uttar Pradesh
• Ranchi: Which looks after West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar

Grievances Redressal of UIDAI

Grievance Redressal Mechanisms for UIDAI: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) offers various channels for individuals to address their grievances related to Aadhaar.

Channels for Lodging Grievances:

• UIDAI Toll-Free Number: UIDAI offers the toll-free number 1947 which is available 24/7 in multiple languages.
• UIDAI Resident Portal: File complaints online regarding enrollment, update, authentication, data security, etc. at myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in
• Email: Briefly describe your issue and include your Aadhaar number and contact details and send it to the email address: help@uidai.gov.in
• UIDAI Regional Offices: You can also visit the nearest office in person or write a letter outlining your grievance.
• CPGRAMS (Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System): Register and file a complaint directly on the government portal: pgportal.gov.in
  Once the complaint is registered, you can also check the status of your Aadhaar complaint online.

UIDAI Aadhaar & m-Aadhaar

Aadhaar, India's unique identification number, links your demographics and biometrics for secure verification. It simplifies accessing services like bank accounts, government benefits, and mobile subscriptions. m-Aadhaar is a mobile application that offers users a convenient way to access Aadhaar information securely on your smartphone.

Through the App, you can create a profile with your registered mobile number, lock and unlock your biometrics, and generate your Virtual ID.

To create an m-Aadhaar profile, you can

• Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and ensure your mobile connection is active.
• Enter the details, click verify, and input the OTP sent to your registered mobile number to create your profile.

m-Aadhaar has provided the following benefits to individuals who have a profile:

• You can carry Aadhaar info securely on your phone.
• Use Aadhaar even without the internet.
• You can mask Aadhaar or lock biometrics for added security.
• The e-KYC, digital signatures, and government services at your fingertips.
• You can update info, track status, and access details anytime.

Masked Aadhaar

• The Aadhaar has been used extensively over the years which has also led to the increase of fraud. This has prompted the Government and residents to be careful and cautious about sharing Aadhaar information. Recently to further protect and secure personal information that is linked to the Aadhaar, UIDAI has issued Masked Aadhaar.
• A Masked Aadhaar conceals the first eight digits, revealing only the last four digits of your Aadhaar number, adding a layer of security against data misuse.

Download Aadhaar on UIDAI

Individuals can download their e-Aadhaar online. You have two secure options to download your Aadhaar electronically. One from the UIDAI website and also by using the m-aadhaar app:

1. Using Enrollment Number:

• Visit the UIDAI website
• Go to "Download Aadhaar" under "Get Aadhaar" tab.
• Choose "Download Aadhaar using Enrollment Number".
• Enter your 28-digit Enrollment Number, full name, and registered PIN code.
• You can choose to receive an OTP on your registered mobile number or use Time-based One Time Password (TOTP) generated from mAadhaar app.
• Enter the received OTP/TOTP and click "Download Aadhaar".
• Your Aadhaar will be downloaded as a password-protected PDF file.

2. Using Aadhaar Number:

• Follow the same steps as above until you reach the "Download Aadhaar" page.
• Choose "Download Aadhaar using Aadhaar Number".
• Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number, full name, and registered PIN code.
• Enter the received OTP/TOTP and click "Download Aadhaar".
• Your Aadhaar will be downloaded as a password-protected PDF file.

Password for e-Aadhaar:

• The password for your downloaded Aadhaar is the first four letters of your name in CAPITAL followed by your year of birth (YYYY).

Masked Aadhaar Download

The steps to download masked Aadhaar are:

1. Go to myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in and log in.
2. Use your 12-digit Aadhaar number to login and verify through OTP.
3. Navigate to 'Download Aadhaar' in the 'Services' section.
4. Choose 'Do you want a masked Aadhaar?' and click 'Download.'
5. Your masked Aadhaar will be downloaded as a password-protected PDF.
6. The password is the first four letters of your name (as per Aadhaar) in CAPITAL letters and your year of birth in YYYY format.

Order Aadhaar PVC Card on UIDAI

To order an Aadhaar PVC card from UIDAI, follow these steps:

• Visit the official UIDAI website at uidai.gov.in
• Under the 'My Aadhaar' section, select the 'Order Aadhaar PVC Card' option.
• Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and the security code.
• Request for an OTP, which will be sent to your registered mobile number.
• Enter the OTP for verification.
• After verification, preview the Aadhaar details and make any necessary corrections.
• Proceed to make the payment for the PVC card using online payment methods.
• Once the payment is successful, the Aadhaar PVC card will be sent to your registered address.

Please note that you should have a registered mobile number linked to your Aadhaar for OTP verification.