The UID number, popularly known as Aadhaar, was envisaged as an end to fake or multiple identities
The UID number, popularly known as Aadhaar, was envisaged as an end to fake or multiple identities. However, the ambitious scheme has been facing controversies and successive governments have been silent on questions on the security of personal data collected by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). A Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court is hearing arguments on whether Aadhaar breaches the privacy of citizens.
The current NDA government has gone ahead with linking Aadhaar with various centrally sponsored schemes. It has maintained in courts that obtaining an Aadhaar number and using it to avail subsidy is voluntary.
The Aadhaar Act, tabled as a Money Bill and passed by the Lok Sabha, says its aim is to “ provide for targeted delivery of subsidies and services to individuals residing in India by assigning them unique identity numbers, called Aadhaar numbers,” and does not mention the word ‘mandatory.’ But it is now unavoidable, as over 50 schemes are linked to Aaadhar.
As proof of identity
Aadhaar is accepted as a valid identity proof by the Central and all State governments for availing services, including application for passport, opening of bank or insurance accounts, getting telephone and mobile phone connections, and buying rail tickets and availing concessions.
To verify electoral rolls
In order to keep a check on multiple entries in electoral rolls, the Election Commission has started a drive to include Aadhaar number along with Electors Photo Identity Card or voter Id card.
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