The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) established under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the Government of India was created with the objective to issue ‘Unique Identification Numbers’ called ‘Aadhaar’ to the residents of India. Such an identification number is meant to be easily verifiable and robust enough to rule out the possibilities of fake or duplicate identities.
With about 89% of the population having been issued this unique biometrics identifier as of mid-February, 2018, the need for dedicated service centers across the country for related services has emerged. Although currently the services such as enrolment and updating are taken care by centers run by the banks, post offices and government premises, these dedicated ‘Aadhaar Seva Kendras’ (ASKs) aim to provide more touchpoints for the public to avail Aadhaar related services.
The Trigger
In September 2018, the Supreme Court ordered the shift of Aadhaar enrolment and update centers from private hands to government entities such as banks, post offices and state government premises to ensure direct government supervision. In line with the court’s order, the ASKs has been created and instituted under the direct supervision of the UIDAI.
The Target
The UIDAI has operationalized the first two centers in Delhi and Vijaywada on a pilot basis. With an ambition to set up 114 such centers in 53 cities across the country by the year-end, this ambitious project is said to be worth Rs.300- Rs.400 crores.
The Purpose
Modeled on the lines of ‘Passport Seva Kendras’, these centers will offer an appointment-based, user-friendly and hassle-free enrolment and updating related service, ensuring utmost ease and comfort to the cardholders.
The Benefits
The online appointment management system will ensure that the people turn up at their booked time slots, to avoid the need for standing in the queues for long. The services at the center will be provided through multiple work stations, with certain exclusive counters for walk-in customers. There will be facilities for individuals who need to enroll and update through exceptional processes, such as in cases where a particular piece of information needs to be updated more than once.
Two Centres
The first Aadhar Seva Kendra has been opened up in New Delhi at the Akshardham Metro Station, Pandav Nagar. Equipped with 16 work-stations and a capacity to handle 1000 Aadhar-related requests on a daily basis, this center will be open from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm on all days except Tuesday and public holidays.
The second center has been opened in Vijaywada’s Labbipet area. With half the capacity than the Delhi Centre, this center will be open on all seven days a week.
The main idea behind Aadhaar and its platform are to streamline the government’s welfare delivery mechanism. It not only ensures transparency but also better governance. With an accurate information database about the residents, the government can ensure the right services are delivered to the right beneficiaries.
A uniform identification system, Aadhaar allows effective and efficient utilization of government developmental fund. From the card holder’s perspective identity verification through electronic or offline means for e-KYC and other requirements of identity disclosure can be easily met. The Aadhar authentication or Aadhar e-KYC not only enables the smooth mobility of people from one part of the country to the other, but it also goes a long way to digitize India and facilitate greater financial inclusion.
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