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Proof of Identity Potential Benefits The Aadhaar number would provide proof of identity to every resident including migrants, homeless people, etc.  The number is unique to each individual and a person’s biometric information is linked to it.  This could facilitate access to various services, which need identity proof. Remarks Presently, various identity cards such as PAN card, voter’s identity card, ration card etc are accepted as proof of identity.  About 82% of the adult population have the election card, 74% of the population have ration cards and 38% of the population have Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana card.  Public Distribution System Potential Benefits The Aadhaar number can eliminate duplicate cards and cards for non-existent persons (estimated to be about 17% of all cards).  It could also reduce diversion at Fair Price Shops by ensuring that goods are distributed to the beneficiaries only after their biometrics are verified. Rema...

The Bill aims to issue unique identification numbers to residents of India and to provide for a reliable method of identifying individuals. The UIDAI Strategy Overview states that identification will facilitate access to benefits and services, especially for vulnerable groups such as homeless persons, migrant labour etc. Issuance of biometric based identities is expected to reduce problems of identity frauds and ghost beneficiaries. However, any database that stores personal information carries the risk of its misuse by various agencies (both public and private), which may affect an individual's privacy. The UK National Identity Card scheme was scrapped in 2011. Some of the main reasons cited for scrapping the scheme were the cost of implementing the scheme and the infringement of civil liberties. The Real ID Act passed by the US in 2005 has also been opposed by many states on grounds of privacy and threat to data security. We discuss below the safeguards that are built into...

The National Identification Authority of India (NIAI) will issue identification number (called "Aadhaar" number) to residents of India and any other category of people that may be specified. The NIAI shall have a chairperson and two part-time members. Aadhaar Numbers Every resident of India (regardless of citizenship) shall be entitled to obtain an Aadhaar number after furnishing demographic and biometric information. Demographic information shall include items such as name, age, gender and address. Biometric information shall include some biological attributes of the individual. Collection of information pertaining to race, religion, caste, language, income or health is specifically prohibited. The Aadhaar number shall be issued after the information provided by the person is verified. It shall serve as proof of identity, subject to authentication. However, it should not be construed as proof of citizenship or domicile. The Aadhaar number holder may be required t...

At present, the central and state governments in India issue different identity for specific purposes. These documents may be issued to individuals (passport, Election Card, PAN card, driving license), or to households (ration card, Rastriya Swasthya Bima Yojna card). In April 2000, a Group of Ministers was set to review the national security system and to consider recommendations of Kargil Review Committee. The report on "Reforming the National Security System", submitted in 2001, recommended that a multi-purpose National Identity Card (MNIC) should be issued, starting from the border districts. The purpose was to prepare a National Register of Indian Citizens.  In 2003, the Citizenship Act, 1955 was amended to allow the central government to compulsorily register every citizen and issue them with identity cards.  In March 2006, another project called "Unique ID for Below Poverty Line families" was approved by the Department of Information Technology.  ...