UIDAI to Expand Full-Service Aadhaar Centres to 473 by September
UIDAI plans to expand full-service Aadhaar centres to 473 by September.
Photo by Satish Dharmavarapu
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) plans to significantly expand its network of full-service Aadhaar Seva Kendras (ASKs) to 473 by September. Currently, there are 166 such centres. This expansion aims to provide a wider range of Aadhaar-related services, including enrollment, updates, and other facilities, directly to citizens.
The move is crucial for enhancing the accessibility and efficiency of Aadhaar services, especially for those who face challenges with online updates or need in-person assistance. This initiative reinforces India's digital governance push and its commitment to leveraging Aadhaar for various welfare schemes and citizen services.
Key Facts
UIDAI to expand full-service Aadhaar Seva Kendras (ASKs) to 473
Target by September
Currently 166 ASKs
Aims to provide enrollment, updates, and other Aadhaar services
UPSC Exam Angles
Statutory bodies and their evolution (UIDAI)
Digital governance and e-governance initiatives
Public service delivery mechanisms and reforms
Right to Privacy and data protection in the context of Aadhaar
Inclusion/Exclusion debates related to digital identity
Impact of Aadhaar on welfare schemes and financial inclusion
Visual Insights
More Information
Background
Latest Developments
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and Aadhaar: 1. UIDAI was established as a statutory authority under the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016. 2. The Supreme Court in the K.S. Puttaswamy judgment declared that Aadhaar could be made mandatory for all private sector services. 3. The expansion of Aadhaar Seva Kendras aims to provide in-person assistance for Aadhaar services, addressing challenges faced by citizens in online updates. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is correct. UIDAI was initially an executive body and later gained statutory status under the Aadhaar Act, 2016. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Supreme Court in the K.S. Puttaswamy judgment (2018) upheld the constitutional validity of Aadhaar but struck down Section 57 of the Aadhaar Act, which allowed private entities to demand Aadhaar. It ruled that Aadhaar cannot be made mandatory for private services. Statement 3 is correct, as per the news article, the expansion aims to enhance accessibility and efficiency, especially for those needing in-person assistance.
2. In the context of digital governance and public service delivery in India, which of the following statements correctly describes the role of Aadhaar? 1. It serves as a primary tool for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes, ensuring targeted delivery and reducing leakages. 2. It facilitates e-KYC (Know Your Customer) processes, simplifying identity verification for various services. 3. Its universal adoption has completely eliminated issues of exclusion and identity fraud in welfare schemes. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 2 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: C
Statement 1 is correct. Aadhaar has been instrumental in the success of DBT, linking beneficiaries' bank accounts to their Aadhaar numbers, thereby reducing intermediaries and leakages. Statement 2 is correct. Aadhaar-based e-KYC has significantly streamlined identity verification for services like opening bank accounts, mobile connections, and availing government services. Statement 3 is incorrect. While Aadhaar has significantly reduced identity fraud and improved targeting, it has not 'completely eliminated' these issues. Concerns regarding exclusion (due to authentication failures, digital divide) and new forms of fraud (e.g., SIM card cloning) still persist.
3. With reference to the legal and policy framework surrounding data protection in India, consider the following statements: 1. The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, defines 'personal data' as any data about an individual who is identifiable by or in relation to such data. 2. The Act mandates that the consent of the individual is required for processing their personal data, except in certain specified legitimate uses. 3. The UIDAI, being a statutory body, is exempt from the provisions of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, regarding Aadhaar data. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.1 and 2 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: C
Statement 1 is correct. The DPDP Act, 2023, indeed defines 'personal data' in this manner. Statement 2 is correct. The Act is based on the principle of consent, requiring individuals' consent for data processing, with certain exceptions for 'legitimate uses' like public interest, legal obligations, etc. Statement 3 is incorrect. The DPDP Act, 2023, applies to the processing of digital personal data within India, including by government entities. While there might be specific provisions for government processing, UIDAI is not generally exempt from the Act's principles, especially concerning data protection and individual rights. The Act aims for a comprehensive framework covering all data fiduciaries.
Source Articles
UIDAI to expand full-service Aadhaar centres to 473 by September 2026: CEO - The Hindu
UIDAI opens State’s first Aadhaar Seva Kendra in Madurai - The Hindu
U.T. government to maximise Aadhaar-enabled governance and citizen services - The Hindu
UIDAI plans to open 166 standalone Aaadhar enrolment and update centres - The Hindu
UIDAI opens 28 Aadhaar Seva Kendras across the country - The Hindu