Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)

bySharath ReddyLast Updated: November 17, 2023
Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)

On July 12, 2016, in accordance with the Aadhaar Act 2016, the Indian government founded the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) as a formally recognized statutory authority. The UIDAI’s headquarters are located in New Delhi, and it additionally maintains approximately eight regional offices distributed across India.

This blog will explain everything you need to know about UIDAI and the Aadhaar UID Card.

Table Content 

What is UIDAI?

The UIDAI full form is the Unique Identification Authority of India. It is an organization established by the Indian government in January 2009. Its primary objective is to furnish individuals with a distinctive identification and a digital authentication platform usable globally and at any moment. This authority is responsible for collecting both biometrics (such as iris scans, fingerprints, and photographs) and demographic information from Indian residents. All of this data is stored centrally. The resulting Aadhaar consists of a 12-digit distinctive number, signifying the world’s most extensive project for a National Identification Number. The UID’s data center is situated in Model Township, Manesar, Haryana.

Concise History of UIDAI

Initially under the purview of the Planning Commission, now known as the NITI Aayog, UIDAI’s jurisdiction shifted in 2015 through amendments to the “Allocation of Business Rules.” It was brought under the governance of the Department of Electronics and Information Technology. The first UID number also referred to as Aadhaar, was issued to a resident in Nandurbar, Maharashtra, in 2010. The agency presently oversees enrollment, authentication, and the complete life cycle management of Aadhaar cards.

UIDAI – Objectives

The primary goal of UIDAI is to issue a 12-digit unique identification number (UID) to each individual with the following objectives:

  • Eliminate Identity Duplication.
  • Achieve Cost-Effective Identity Verification and Authentication.

UIDAI – Vision

Enable individuals with a UID and digital authentication worldwide, anytime.

UIDAI – Mission

  • Efficient subsidy delivery for good governance.
  • Compliance with the Aadhaar Act 2016.
  • Establish procedural systems for Aadhaar issuance, authentication, and updates.
  • Ensure confidentiality and security of identity-related data.
  • Provide Aadhaar to all Indians with quality and speed.
  • Ensure scalability and availability of technical infrastructure.
  • Create a lasting organization to uphold UIDAI’s ideals and vision.

Services Offered by UIDAI

The UIDAI portal offers the following services

Enrollment

  • Enrolment facility
  • Enrolment center locator
  • Aadhaar status check
  • Aadhaar download
  • Retrieval of UID/EID
  • Reprint request

Details Update

  • Online details update
  • Postal details update
  • Details update at enrolment center
  • Update status verification
  • Request for address validation letter
  • Online address update status
  • View update history

Additional Services

UIDAI Regional Offices

What is the Aadhaar Act 2016?

The Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits, and Services) Act, 2016, known as the ‘Aadhaar Act 2016,’ was enacted on March 25, 2016. Key highlights of the Act are as follows:

  • All Indian residents can obtain a 12-digit Aadhaar number by providing demographic and biometric details.
  • Once issued, an Aadhaar number is non-transferable.
  • The UIDAI is a Central Government-established Authority responsible for Act-related functions.
  • ‘Authentication’ involves verifying demographic and biometric data alongside the Aadhaar number in the Central Identities Data Repository.

mAadhaar Mobile Application

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has developed a mobile application called mAadhaar, which is available for download from the Google Play store. This app provides the following services:

  • Profile Creation: To create an Aadhaar profile, a registered mobile number is required.
  • Biometric Locking and Unlocking
  • Virtual ID Generation

How to Create your Profile on the mAadhaar App?

  • Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
  • Ensure an active mobile data connection, enter the necessary information, and click the ‘Verify’ button.
  • An OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to your registered mobile number.

How to Generate a Virtual ID on the mAadhaar App?

  • Access the side menu and select the ‘VID Generation’ button.
  • Generate a new Virtual ID or use an existing one.
  • Your Virtual ID will be displayed on the screen.

How to UIDAI Grievance Redressal Work?

For queries or complaints related to Aadhaar enrolment and updates, the UIDAI offers the following channels:

  • Call the Toll-free number at 1800 300 1947.
  • Write an e-mail to the customer support staff at [email protected].
  • File a complaint through the official website.
  • Complaints can also be submitted through postal mail or via the https://pgportal.gov.in/ platform.

How to Download and Print Aadhaar?

You can now conveniently download and print your Aadhaar from various sources, such as the UIDAI website, UMANG App, DigiLocker, and the mAadhaar App, among other options.

Conclusion:

Unique Identification Authority of India stands as a remarkable embodiment of modern governance and technological innovation. Established by the Indian government on July 12, 2016, under the framework of the Aadhaar Act 2016, UIDAI serves as a pivotal entity that shapes the landscape of identity authentication in our digital age. With its headquarters situated in New Delhi, UIDAI’s presence extends through a network of regional offices spanning the country.

FAQs
What is UIDAI?
UIDAI, which stands for the Unique Identification Authority of India, is a governmental organization responsible for issuing a distinctive 12-digit identification number to each individual in India.
What Services Does UIDAI Offer?
UIDAI provides a range of services, including enrollment, updating personal details, verifying Aadhaar numbers, generating/retrieving virtual IDs, facilitating paperless e-KYC, and more.
Does Linking Accounts Share My Data with UIDAI?
Linking your bank accounts, mobile phones, mutual funds, etc., does not provide UIDAI with this information. UIDAI only receives your Aadhaar number and the biometric data used for authentication.
What is the ‘Order Aadhaar Reprint’ Service?
The ‘Order Aadhaar Reprint’ service, introduced by UIDAI, enables you to obtain a new copy of your Aadhaar letter by paying a nominal fee of Rs.50.
How Can I Update My Mobile Number in UIDAI?
To update your mobile number, you can visit a Permanent Enrolment Centre (PEC) designated for this purpose.

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