Aadhaar: India’s Unique Identity Number – Facts & Misconceptions

What Is Aadhaar?

Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to residents of India based on demographic and biometric data (fingerprints, iris scan, photograph).

Name Origin

The word “Aadhaar” (आधार) is Hindi for “foundation” or “base.” It is not an acronym. The expansion “Authentication and Address for Delivery of HA(R) services” is a backronym created after the fact and does not reflect the name’s true etymology.

Key Features

• Voluntary enrollment (though linked to many subsidies/services).
• Biometric deduplication ensures uniqueness.
• Used for KYC, direct benefit transfers, digital signatures, and more.

Privacy & Legal Framework

The Aadhaar Act, 2016 and subsequent Supreme Court rulings govern data protection, authentication protocols, and permissible uses.