E-service to link existing records to Aadhar launched
Manish Raj, TNN Aug 22, 2013, 04.02AM IST
CHENNAI: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has launched an electronic 'know your customer' (e- KYC) service to help people link existing records to their Aadhaar numbers in an easy and secure manner. It provides instant electronic proof of address, date of birth, gender, mobile number and email to service providers.
Using e-KYC, people can connect their existing documents like ration cards, pension accounts and driving licences with Aadhaar. This is expected to make data collection and verification easier for services like getting a new SIM card, bank account or a passport. Customers will not have to physically carry the required documents to avail themselves of services.
Under the new system, one can authorise the UIDAI to release e-KYC data to a service provider. The consent can be provided either in person (through biometric authentication) or online (through one-time password generation).
After authentication, the UIDAI will provide details like name, address, date of birth, mobile number and email address to the service provider electronically. This information at the point of service delivery will determine the eligibility of the consumer for services like LPG connection, scholarship, a loan, a social security pension and mobile connection.
e-KYC document is legally equivalent to paper documents as data transfer is secured through encryption and digital signature as per the requirements of IT Act, 2000. Further, as the data is provided by the UIDAI, there is no risk of forged documents. It will benefit service providers and regulators. While service providers will have reduced costs, enhanced security and better sales conversion, the latter can monitor compliance effectively. By eliminating the use of paper it will also be environment friendly.
Indian Bank chairman and managing director T M Bhasin said e-KYC would help customers approach banks and open accounts. It would also help banks implement subsidy schemes like Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and DBT for LPG (DBTL).