Aadhaar appeal grows, downloads touch 40-crore mark

Increased acceptance of Aadhaar as a proof to validate credentials has led to a higher number of downloads of the unique ID, which has surpassed over 40 crore till date, the Unique Identification Authority of India said in a meeting recently,

As on date, Aadhaar downloads have crossed 40 crore. The reasons for popularity of download of Aadhaar through the website can be attributed to increased usage of Aadhaar as a proof of identity and address by service providers and the ease with which residents can download Aadhaar from the UIDAI website, UIDAI said in a statement.

The number of people downloading Aadhaar on the UIDAI website is on the rise, with the number of average downloads per day at 6 lakh, it said. The total number of Aadhaar accounts generated as on May 2, 2016, stands at 100.93 crore. In terms of data and validity, e-Aadhaar is the same as its physical variant. The downloaded Aadhaar has also been notified as a valid proof of identity and address by the Reserve Bank of India.

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UIDAI Director General and Mission Director Ajay Bhushan Pandey said,

Anyone who has misplaced his/her Aadhaar or is yet to receive Aadhaar card through post can easily download an Aadhaar after providing certain details online. In case, a person does not remember the details, the Aadhaar can be downloaded and printed from the nearest authorised Aadhaar kendra for a nominal fee of Rs 10

Central and state governments have linked various social schemes and projects to furnishing of Aadhaar details.

Aadhaar is a 12 digit individual identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India on behalf of the Government of India. The number serves as a proof of identity and address, anywhere in India. Aadhaar letter received via India Post and e-Aadhaar downloaded from UIDAI website are equally valid

Any individual, irrespective of age and gender, who is a resident in India and satisfies the verification process laid down by the UIDAI can enrol for Aadhaar. Each Aadhaar number will be unique to an individual, free of cost and will remain valid for life. Aadhaar number will help you provide access to services like banking, mobile phone connections and other Govt and Non-Govt services in due course.