UIDAI Aadhaar Card : Unique Identification Authority of India

Last Updated : Jan. 14, 2025, 4:21 p.m.

UIDAI stands for the Unique Identification Authority of India, which was established in the year 2009. The primary objective of UIDAI is to provide a unique identity to Indian citizens by collecting their biometric and demographic details. After gathering this information, UIDAI issues a 12-digit unique identification number, known as the Aadhaar Number. The headquarters of UIDAI is located in Manesar, and it has issued more than 125 crore Aadhaar cards to date. UIDAI has also conducted over 4000 crore Aadhaar authentications for Indian citizens. UIDAI collects biometric data, including photographs, fingerprints, and iris scans, along with other demographic details, to issue the Aadhaar number. For more information, you can explore the mission, functions, and other important details related to the UIDAI Aadhaar Card : Unique Identification Authority of India.

UIDAI Vision and Mission

Vision :

To empower Aadhaar number holders in India with a unique identity and provide a digital platform for seamless authentication anytime and anywhere.

Mission:

• To facilitate good governance, efficient, transparent, and targeted delivery of subsidies, benefits, and services, funded by the Consolidated Fund of India or the Consolidated Fund of State, to Aadhaar number holders in India through the assignment of unique identity numbers.
• To develop policies, procedures, and systems for issuing Aadhaar numbers to individuals seeking enrollment in India, by submitting their demographic and biometric information and undergoing the enrollment process.
• To establish policies, procedures, and systems for updating and authenticating the digital identity of Aadhaar number holders.
• To ensure the availability, scalability, and resilience of the technology infrastructure.
• To build a long-term, sustainable organization that carries forward the vision and values of UIDAI.
• To ensure the security and confidentiality of identity information and authentication records of Aadhaar number holders.
• To ensure compliance with the Aadhaar Act by all individuals and agencies, in both letter and spirit.
• To formulate regulations and rules in alignment with the Aadhaar Act to implement its provisions effectively.

Functions of UIDAI

As informed, UIDAI develops and carries out several Unique Identification (UID) programs and regulations. Some of the key initiatives are outlined below:

• Generate and assign UID numbers to individuals.
• Define mechanisms and processes for continuously interlinking UID with the databases of partner organizations.
• Establish policies and administrative procedures for the ongoing updation and maintenance of the UID database.
• Coordinate with implementation partners and user agencies, and define a conflict resolution mechanism.
• Determine the use and applicability of UID for delivering various services.
• Oversee and manage all stages of the UID lifecycle.
• Adopt a phased approach for UID implementation, in line with approved timelines.
• Ensure the integration of the National Population Register (NPR) with UID (as per the approved strategy), taking necessary actions.
• Utilize field-level institutions, such as PRIs, to establish linkages across partner agencies and validate data by cross-referencing with other designated agencies.
• Develop strategies for awareness and communication regarding UID and its usage.
• Identify new user agencies/partners for UID integration.
• Issue guidelines to agencies involved in database creation to ensure standardization of data elements, enabling seamless collation and correlation with UID and partner databases.
• Frame administrative procedures and policies related to the hiring, retention, and mobilization of resources, outsourcing of tasks, and budgeting and planning for UIDAI and all state units under UIDAI.

UIDAI Core Values

Every organization has its core values and so do UIDAs. You must see the core values followed by UIDAI in their working environment.

• They are dedicated to promoting good governance.
• They uphold the highest standards of integrity.
• They are committed to inclusive nation-building.
• They embrace a collaborative approach and deeply value our partnerships.
• They strive for excellence in services to both Aadhaar number holders and service providers.
• They prioritize continuous learning and quality improvement.
• They are driven by innovation and foster an environment that enables our partners to innovate.
• They believe in maintaining a transparent and open organization.

UIDAI Services

If you visit the UIDAI Official Website then you can make use of the following services and manage your Aadhaar details:-

• Locate Aadhaar Enrollment Centre
• Verify Aadhaar Number
• Check Aadhaar and Bank Linking Status
• Verify Mobile Number and Email Address
• Retrieve Lost or Forgotten UID/EID
• Check Aadhaar Card Status
• Order Aadhaar PVC Card
• Aadhaar Paperless Offline e-KYC (Beta)
• Generate Virtual ID
• Update Address Online
• Download Aadhaar
• Lock/Unlock Biometrics
• View Update History
• Aadhaar Card Correction Form

UIDAI Structure

• Headquarters
  • Located in Manesar, Haryana.
  • Functions as the central governing body for all UIDAI operations and policymaking.
• Regional Offices
  • Operates across multiple regions in India to ensure seamless implementation and coordination.
  • Responsible for managing local enrollment and authentication services.
• Technology Centre
  • Located in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
  • Focuses on managing and enhancing the technical infrastructure required for Aadhaar services, including security, scalability, and innovation.
• State Offices
  • Collaborates with state governments to implement Aadhaar programs effectively.
  • Acts as a liaison between the central body and state-specific initiatives.
• Divisions within UIDAI
  • Enrolment and Update Division : Oversees Aadhaar enrollment and updating demographic and biometric data.
  • Authentication Division : Manages Aadhaar authentication services and ensures their reliability and security.
  • Policy and Planning Division : Develop strategies, policies, and regulations for UIDAI operations.
  • Finance and Accounts Division : Manages financial operations, budgeting, and resource allocation.
  • Legal Division : Ensures compliance with the Aadhaar Act and other regulations.
  • Public Outreach and Communication Division : Focuses on awareness campaigns and stakeholder engagement.
• Advisory and Partner Agencies
  • Includes various public and private sector partners to enhance Aadhaar’s applicability and integration across services.

This structure enables UIDAI to manage the Aadhaar ecosystem effectively and deliver services to over a billion Indian residents.

UIDAI Regional Offices

A Deputy Director General (DDG) is in charge of each UIDAI Regional Office (RO). The support structure includes Directors/Assistant Directors General, Deputy Directors/Senior Accounts Officers (Sr. AO)/Assistant Directors (AD), Section Officers/Assistant Accounts Officers (AAO)/Technical Officers (TO)/Private Secretaries (PS), Assistant Section Officers (ATO), and Accountants.

Below is a list of UIDAI Regional Offices along with the states and union territories covered under their jurisdiction:

Conclusion

UIDAI, through the UIDAI Aadhaar Card: Unique Identification Authority of India, plays a pivotal role in providing unique identities to Indian residents by distributing Aadhaar Numbers and Virtual IDs (VID). It serves as the identity-allocating authority of India, enabling individuals without valid identity documents to obtain a recognized identity. Aadhaar, issued exclusively by UIDAI, is a universally accepted document across the country, granted based on stringent demographic verification and biometric authentication. This initiative underscores UIDAI's commitment to inclusive identity creation and seamless governance.