The Aadhaar programme, implemented by the UIDAI, remains one of India’s most consequential identity-infrastructure initiatives. For residents of India, understanding what an Aadhaar number is, how it is issued, its legal role and recent developments is essential for accessing a broad range of services.
What is Aadhaar and how is it issued
- The Aadhaar is a 12-digit random number issued by the UIDAI to residents of India after biometric (fingerprints, iris scan, photograph) and demographic verification.
- The UIDAI was established under the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016 on 12 July 2016, making it a statutory authority.
- The Aadhaar enrolment is open to all residents of India, irrespective of age or gender; from newborns to senior citizens.
- As of September 2025, UIDAI reports the issuance of 142.76 crore Aadhaar numbers to residents of India.
Why Aadhaar matters: uses and significance
- Aadhaar acts as a proof of identity and can also serve as a proof of address (if the address attribute is present/updated) in many contexts.
- It plays a crucial role in direct benefit transfers (DBT) and subsidy delivery, helping link welfare benefits to the correct beneficiary thereby reducing leakage.
- The “uniqueness, authentication, financial address and e-KYC” features of Aadhaar mean it enables services such as bank account opening, mobile SIM verification, pension disbursal and more.
- Because Aadhaar can be authenticated online (via biometric/OTP) and is portable across India, it supports digital governance and citizen convenience.
Recent developments and key updates
- In October 2025, UIDAI announced a fee revision for Aadhaar updates (demographic and biometric) — the first hike in nearly five years. Updates done in person and some biometric changes will now incur higher charges.
- Also, in October 2025, UIDAI clarified that an Aadhaar card will no longer be accepted as a proof of date of birth for the purpose of issuing a birth certificate. This clarification came after concerns about misuse of documents.
- Further, UIDAI awarded a major contract to expand its service-delivery ecosystem: it awarded a contract of approximately ₹2,055 crore to BLS International Services for establishing and running district-level Aadhaar Seva Kendras (ASK) across India.
Impact: on citizens, government and services
- For citizens: Having a valid Aadhaar and keeping details up to date helps ensure seamless access to banking, subsidies, mobile services and other benefits. The update in fees means that citizens should plan updates (especially minor changes) in good time.
- For government and service delivery: Aadhaar has helped in targeting subsidies and scale digital authentication for services — this improves efficiency and reduces fraud.
- For inclusion and equity: By issuing identity to residents who previously lacked proof of identity/address, Aadhaar can assist in bringing more people into the formal system (banking, welfare, etc.).
- For privacy, security and governance: The increasing reliance on Aadhaar raises questions about data protection, security, and ensuring that the system remains accessible to the marginalised. The recent clarification about birth certificate eligibility signals attention to misuse and regulatory fine-tuning.
Key challenges and considerations
- While Aadhaar facilitates access to services, there remain concerns about documentation, access and accuracy: for example, residents in remote or tribal areas may face difficulties in biometric enrolment or updating address/proof.
- The increased fee structure for updates may deter some from updating their details promptly — which could affect address proof or KYC requirements.
- The UIDAI and the government must keep improving data security and prevent misuse of biometric/demographic data. While the Aadhaar system is robust, any system of this scale demands constant vigilance. (Academic studies highlight possible vulnerabilities.)
- Communicating changes and ensuring awareness across all strata (rural, urban, older citizens) remains important so that no one is inadvertently excluded from services because of Aadhaar detail mismatches or enrolment issues.
Practical steps for Aadhaar holders
- Check that your demographic details (name, address, date of birth) and biometric data are correct. Visit the UIDAI website, use the “myAadhaar” portal or book appointment at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra for updates.
- If your address has changed, update it via the online portal if possible (recommended) or at a centre; note the new fee changes if updates are done in person.
- Download your e-Aadhaar (electronic version) if you have your Aadhaar number — it is as valid as the physical copy.
- Store your Aadhaar number, but do not share the number indiscriminately; safeguard your biometric/OTP authentication to prevent misuse.
- If you believe there is a mistake in your Aadhaar or you face problems during authentication, contact UIDAI through the helpline or grievance mechanism.
The Aadhaar card under UIDAI is more than just a piece of paper — it is a digital identity backbone for India’s citizens, enabling access to banking, welfare, services and rights. As the system evolves — with updates in fees, regulation and outreach — keeping one’s Aadhaar details correct and understanding one’s rights/responsibilities becomes increasingly important. For residents of India, staying informed and proactive about Aadhaar helps ensure continued access to services and prevents potential exclusion.
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Last Updated on: Thursday, November 6, 2025 2:21 pm by Sakethyadav | Published by: Sakethyadav on Thursday, November 6, 2025 2:21 pm | News Categories: News