As India increasingly moves towards a more digitized economy, your Aadhaar Number gains greater significance. The Aadhaar number is issued to all citizens of India, it is a 12-digit unique identity number that provides each person a digital identity. Today, it has become extremely critical to have an Aadhaar number as its used for almost every government service.
To make carrying Aadhaar simpler, the UIDAI or Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), the nodal government agency for Aadhaar, recently introduced the m-Aadhaar app. Once you download this app, your Aadhaar card details will be stored in the app and you can use it anytime you need it.
Currently, around 1.12 billion Indians have registered with the UIDAI, by being registered, one has access to several benefits and services offered to Aadhaar card holders.
Difference between Aadhaar, e-Aadhaar and m-Aadhaar
The physical Aadhaar card is similar to a physical identity card, containing personal identification information of a person.
e-Aadhaar is an online service, which allows you to download a copy your Aadhaar card directly from the internet. The whole point is that your Aadhaar number is more important than its physical manifestation. The e-Aadhaar service makes it possible to get your digital identity card by providing necessary details on the website. Once you have entered your details, a downloadable PDF file of your Aadhaar card is generated, and a print-out of the same can be used in place of regular physical Aadhaar card.
The UIDAI has now gone one step ahead by launching m-Aadhaar, it allows people to carry their unique identification proof on their mobile device. Eliminating the need to carry a physical Aadhaar card.
How to get the mAadhaar App?
Currently, it is only available for android users on Google's Play Store. The iOS version of the app is currently under development.
Downloading the App
- Visit Google's Play store from an Android based mobile phone.
- Search for the m-Aadhaar app and click on the download button.
- Wait for it to download and then open the interface.
- On opening the app, it will ask you to enter your Aadhaar number.
- You may also choose to scan the QR code available on the Aadhaar card.
- Initially, the app sends an OTP (One-Time Password) to the registered mobile number.
- The app will then initiate a simple validation process to check your identity, it may ask for some permissions to avoid loopholes that could result is reduced security.
- After verification, it asks the user to set a new password for her/ his profile.
- Then the app redirects to its home-screen or home-page where the user can see her/ his Aadhaar card.
Features and Benefits
- The m-Aadhaar app allows user to make changes to their user profile, which are validated and then put into effect, using the app itself.
- The government has made it mandatory to link Aadhaar numbers with PAN cards to eliminate PAN Card duplication.
- m-Aadhaar app introduces certain security features such as locking and unlocking your biometric details which can be enabled or disabled by the user based on their requirements
e-KYC
e-KYC is a facility offered by UIDAI, which involves identity verification through an online interface just by using the individual's biometric scans. This allows verification of one's name, address, DOB, etc. Physical KYC (Know Your Customer) was already a deeply ingrained part of India's banking system, but with e-KYC and biometric validation, the process has become much easier.
Summary
A digitized Aadhaar card will go a long way in catapulting India towards a truly digital economy. It will help in massively increasing the efficiency of public distribution systems, reducing black money and curtailing corruption. So when are you downloading the m-Aadhaar app?
