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Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on January 02, 2025

Daily Insights and Initiatives for UPSC Exam Notes: Comprehensive explanations and high-quality material provided regularly for students

Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)

For preliminary Examination:  Current events of antional and international importance

For Mains Examination: GS II - Indian Polity & Governance

Context:

Shri Bhuvnesh Kumar assumed charge as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) on Wednesday. He is an officer of the 1995 batch IAS from the Uttar Pradesh cadre

Read about:

Significance of UIDAI

Possible frauds that might happens around UIDAI

Key takeaways:

• The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is a statutory authority established in January 2009 by the Government of India, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Its primary mandate is to issue a unique identification number, known as Aadhaar, to every resident of India. This 12-digit number serves as a proof of identity and address and is based on biometric and demographic data collected from individuals.
• The Aadhaar system was envisioned as a transformative initiative to streamline public service delivery, improve efficiency, and reduce fraud and corruption. By linking an individual’s Aadhaar number to government schemes and programs, benefits can be delivered directly to beneficiaries, eliminating intermediaries.
• For example, subsidies for LPG gas cylinders, pensions, and scholarships are now disbursed directly into Aadhaar-linked bank accounts, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• To create a robust and secure identity system, UIDAI relies on biometric data such as fingerprints and iris scans, as well as demographic details like name, date of birth, and address.
• This information is stored in a centralized database, making Aadhaar a digital identity that can be authenticated online. The process of obtaining an Aadhaar card is voluntary but has become integral to accessing a wide range of services, including banking, mobile connections, and government welfare programs.
• UIDAI has also implemented stringent data security measures to protect the personal information of individuals. The Aadhaar system uses encryption technologies and follows strict protocols to ensure privacy. Additionally, Aadhaar is not a citizenship document, but rather a tool to establish identity.
• Over the years, Aadhaar has emerged as one of the largest biometric identification systems in the world, covering over a billion residents. It has played a significant role in advancing India’s digital infrastructure, enabling financial inclusion, and promoting the concept of a Digital India.
• Despite its widespread adoption, the Aadhaar system has faced debates around privacy concerns and mandatory usage. Nevertheless, UIDAI continues to work on improving the system, ensuring its accessibility, security, and reliability for the residents of India

• One of the most significant challenges faced by UIDAI is ensuring the privacy and security of the vast amount of biometric and demographic data collected. Critics have raised concerns about the poten