New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh handed over the first of
the Aadhaar cards at Tembhli village in Nandurbar district of Maharashtra on
Wednesday. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), headed by Nandan Nilekani, has endeavoured on a
mammoth project to provide Indian residents with an unique 12-digit
identification number that will serve multiple purposes.
Given the reach and the
impact of such an exercise there is much excitement around the Unique Identity
(UID) number (also known as Aadhaar) drive, along with some confusion.
Some facts about the UID
project that Indian residents should be aware of:
1. Aadhaar (the
UID number) is not mandatory. People can choose not to be a part of the
exercise.
2. It is not restricted
to Indian citizens only and is meant for residents of India, irrespective of
their citizenship. An Aadhaar card does not establish citizenship of India, it
is meant for identification.
3. Even people without
proper identification documents can apply for Aadhaar. Authorised individuals,
who already have an Aadhaar, can introduce residents who don't possess any
documents to establish their identity to enable them to receive their Aadhaar.
4. Aadhar will not
replace other identification documents such as ration card or passport.
5. The UIDAI will
collect only biometric and demographic information about an individual and will
not ask for info on caste, religion or language.
6. Date of Birth is
optional (for people who don't remember/know their date of birth) and
approximate age will suffice.
7. Transgenders have
been included in the options under gender and they need not classify themselves
as male or female.
8. Residents of India
have an option to link their UID number to their bank accounts.
9. To get an UID number
residents will have to go to the nearest Aadhaar enrollment camp, details of
which will be published in the local media. Residents will have to carry along
certain documents, mentioned in the advertisement. Residents will also be
photographed and have their fingerprints and iris scanned. The Aadhaar numbers
will be issued within 20-30 days.
10. The draft National
Identification Authority of India bill has provisions against impersonation,
providing false information and for protection of personal information
collected by the UIDAI. Violations can attract penalties in the form of fines
of up to Rs 1 crore and imprisonment extending up to a life term.
1 comment:
good points and the details are more precise than elsewhere, thanks.
- Murk
Post a Comment