The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has announced a significant revamp in its operational framework, focusing on expanding accessibility for adult enrolment while simultaneously tightening verification protocols to ensure data integrity and national security.
Institutional Status:-
- Legal Nature: A Statutory Authority established under the provisions of the Aadhaar Act, 2016.
- Nodal Ministry: Operates under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY).
- Core Vision: To empower residents with a unique identity and a digital platform for “anytime, anywhere” authentication.
Administrative Composition:-
- Leadership: The Authority consists of a Chairperson.
- Members: Includes two part-time Members.
- Executive Head: A Chief Executive Officer (CEO), who also serves as the Member-Secretary of the Authority.
Functional Mandate:-
- Issuance: Responsible for issuing the Unique Identification Number, commonly known as the ‘Aadhaar number’, to all Indian residents.
- Lifecycle Management: Manages all stages of the Aadhaar lifecycle, from enrollment to authentication.
- System Integrity: Ensures the security and operation of the database and authentication systems.
The Aadhaar Architecture:-
- Format: A 12-digit individual identification number issued after a rigorous verification process.
- Data Collection:
- Demographic: Name, Date of Birth/Age, Gender, Address, Mobile Number, and E-mail ID (optional).
- Biometric: Fingerprints, Iris Scans, and Facial Photograph.
- Validity: The number is unique to every individual and remains valid for a lifetime.
Strategic Utility:-
- Verification: Serves as a robust proof of identity and address for residents.
- Service Delivery: Facilitates seamless access to banking, mobile connections, and various Government (DBT) and Non-Government services.
Q. with respect to the institutional framework of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), consider the following statements:
1. It is a constitutional body established under Article 21 of the Constitution.
2. The Authority functions under the administrative jurisdiction of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
3. It is mandated to issue a 12-digit unique identification number to residents of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: b
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect: UIDAI is a statutory authority established under the Aadhaar Act, 2016, not a constitutional body.
Statement 2 is incorrect: It operates under the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY).
Statement 3 is correct: Its core mandate is issuing the 12-digit Aadhaar number to residents.
