The number of people downloading Aadhaar on the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) website is on the rise with the number of average downloads per day of Aadhaar at 6 lakh. As on date, Aadhaar downloads have crossed 40 crore. The reasons for popularity of download of Aadhaar through website can be attributed to increased usage of Aadhaar as Proof of Identity and also as Proof of Address by service providers and the ease with which the residents can download Aadhaar from UIDAI website.
The total numbers of Aadhaar generated as on May 2, 2016 stand at 100.93 crore.
The data in the electronic version of Aadhaar is the same as printed on the Aadhaar letter. Hence, the Aadhaar downloaded from UIDAI’s website has the same validity as Aadhaar card received by a resident through post and therefore, the downloaded Aadhaar is treated at par with a printed Aadhaar card received through post. The downloaded version of Aadhaar has also been notified as a valid proof of identity and address by the Reserve Bank of India, vide its notification DBOD.AML.BC. No. 100 /14.01.001/2013-14.
“Anyone who has misplaced his/her Aadhaar or is yet to receive Aadhaar card through post, can easily download an Aadhaar after providing certain details online. In case, a person does not remember the details, the Aadhaar can be downloaded and printed from the nearest authorized Aadhaar Kendra for a nominal fee of Rs.10,” said Dr. Ajay Bhushan Pandey, Director General & Mission Director, UIDAI.
Central and State Governments have linked various social sector schemes/ projects to Aadhaar and have notified Aadhaar as a valid Proof of Identity and Address. As Aadhaar is being increasingly used as a proof of identity for availing various services, wider use of downloaded version of Aadhaar is expected.
To download an Aadhaar online, the person should have registered his/her mobile number at the time of enrolment as the system will prompt the person to input a One Time Pin to validate himself/herself, while trying to download the Aadhaar. The electronic version can be downloaded by clicking on the ‘Aadhaar Services’ link on http://www.uidai.gov.in.