NEW DELHI: Aadhaar becoming an identity proof for every Indian is now a distinct possibility, Finance Secretary Ashok Lavasa said on Wednesday.
Aadhaar – a unique 12-digit number is assigned to about 99 per cent of adult Indian residents – links some 84 government services and is used as an authenticating tool for giving pensions and money transfers.
Speaking at a seminar organised by Assocham, Lavasa said Aadhaar has brought efficiency in public spending and removed corruption.
“Aadhaar... is revolutionary... 105 crore people who have a unique identity,” he said.
Lavasa said the unique identity proof has a huge potential for changing many of the procedures for conducting business.
Aadhaar is already a critical document for many government initiatives such as direct benefit transfer of subsidies has achieved unprecedented success.
This unique card use has now been extended for filing income tax return, opening bank account and buying a mobile SIM card.