Restoring Identity and Family of a Girl with Disability through Aadhar Card: A Case Study

Abstract

Aadhar card has given identity to 1.2 billion Indian people. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) was created in February, 2009 for the purpose of giving unique identification code to all the citizens of India. The procedure adopted in assigning a unique code is very robust and helps in eliminating duplicate and fake identities. It is cost effective which makes it pro-poor and thus useful for developing countries like ours. Everyone is entitled to receive Aadhar card free of cost. Aadhar card is being used for implementing many National and State level schemes. For example, the bank account of beneficiaries under social security scheme has been linked with Aadhar card number and various types of pensions are being transferred online to bank accounts of the beneficiary. Also, it has become National Registry for food subsidy to improve delivery of social services and promotes financial inclusion. Linking the schemes with Aadhar card number has helped the government to check duplicity of benefits from multiple sources for the same beneficiary. Aadhar card system ensures right to privacy as personal details can be accessed with a log in and password only. However, with vide circulation and use, the Aadhaar number of customers will be available to large number of service providers and hence, there is a possibility of retrieving personal details. Amongst its many uses, its flexibility widens its scope. One's Voter ID, Debit Card and PAN Card can be linked to Aadhar card and its linking with Bank Account, Passport, Driving License etc. can help in solving many crimes as it holds record of all residents. The data directory can be checked for pictures, fingerprints, etc for identification of a suspect. Here, authors report a case of unknown female with intellectual disability who was staying as a destitute at State Run Home as a permanent resident for last three years and how the Aadhar card has helped the authority to trace her family (UDAI).