Aadhaar is not a proof of citizenship, but a basic identity for a person to avail himself or herself of various benefits provided by the government, said Chairman of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) Nandan Nilekani.
Speaking to presspersons after visiting the Traffic Management Centre here on Friday, Mr. Nilekani described Aadhaar as the one of the world’s biggest social inclusion projects that aims to help beneficiaries get over Rs. 3,000 crore subsidies provided by the government. “It has not only reduced the corrupt practices in the system, but also improved the standard of living of a person,” he said, adding that he met many persons (Aadhaar cardholders) who were able to open bank accounts with the help of Aadhaar, “something that they could not do before”.
In a span of four-and-a-half years, 56 crore people have got Aadhaar and have come under the umbrella of the world’s largest digital platform, he said, replying to a query. Lauding the efforts of Bangalore City Traffic Police, he said the Traffic Police Department was using technology and had one of the most sophisticated traffic management centres in the country.
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