What is the purpose of Aadhaar and why is it important?

The purpose of Aadhaar is to provide a unique identification number to residents of India, based on their biometric and demographic information. Aadhaar is important for several reasons:

1. Identity Verification: Aadhaar serves as a valid proof of identity and address, which can be used for various purposes such as opening bank accounts, obtaining mobile connections, applying for government services, and availing subsidies and benefits.

2. Targeted Delivery of Government Services: Aadhaar helps in eliminating duplicates and fake identities, ensuring that government services and subsidies reach the intended beneficiaries directly. It helps in reducing leakages and ensuring efficient and targeted delivery of benefits.

3. Financial Inclusion: Aadhaar is linked to various financial services and initiatives, such as Jan Dhan Yojana, Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT), and mobile banking. It enables easier access to financial services and promotes financial inclusion, especially for those who previously lacked formal identification documents.

4. Streamlining Administration: Aadhaar facilitates better administration and governance by enabling accurate identification and verification of individuals. It helps in creating a centralized and secure database that can be used for effective policy planning, monitoring, and implementation.

5. Digital Services and Authentication: Aadhaar is used for digital authentication purposes, allowing individuals to digitally sign documents, authenticate transactions, and access various online services securely.

Overall, Aadhaar aims to provide a universal identification system that enhances efficiency, transparency, and inclusiveness in various aspects of governance, service delivery, and financial inclusion.