Launched in 2009, the Aadhar program is an ambitious program that aspires to provide all Indian citizens with a biometrically linked identification number that can be used for all government applications, records, deeds and much more.

Although the initial project implementation stage saw the government facing several issues like technological snags, incorrect data capture and mixing of records over a period of time Aadhar has proven itself indispensable for a large portion of the Indian population.

It won’t be too long before UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) will be able to implement Aadhar card as a universal personal identification document for the whole of India. The prime objective of Aadhar card is to eliminate bogus votes during elections. Providing every Indian with a biometrically linked number will also help cut down the quantum of corruption that is rampant in most government processes.

Wondering how an Aadhar card will help you as an Indian citizen on a personal level? Listed below are some of the little known, but essential benefits that every Aadhar card owner is entitled to.

#1 A necessary document for availing Direct benefit transfer (LPG subsidy)

Holding an Aadhar card will make you a beneficiary of the LPG subsidy offered by the Central Government. The subsidy amount will be directly credited to your bank Account to which the Aadhar number is linked. The cardholder must also get his gas connection consumer number linked to the Aadhar number in order to avail the subsidy dubbed as PAHAL. 

Now its very easy to link LPG Connection to Aadhar Card, Check How?

#2 Must have document to avail state pension

In selective states, the state governments have laid down the standing order that requires all retired employees to link their Aadhar card number to their respective departments to receive the pension amount. As a retiree, this provides you the assurance that no other fake or malicious individuals can hold claim to your pension fund and gain benefits out of it.

Note: Do you know Aadhar Card is mandatory If you are a Pension Holder.

#3 Quick processing of passport

In an ordinary scenario, it will take at least a month or so for an Indian citizen to obtain a passport in his name. This includes the time taken for an interview at the passport office, police verification at the residence and other formalities. But as an Aadhar card holder, you can get your passport sanctioned in less than two weeks. In fact, the new rule is that you must have an Aadhar card in order to obtain a passport. Hence, having an Aadhar card is indispensable if you have plans of leaving Indian shores even for a short while.

Check here: Get your Passport in 10 Days, if you have Aadhar Card.

#4 A free DigiLocker account for storing personal documents on government server

GOI launched the DigiLocker system for all Indian citizens in February 2015. Users will be provided a free online storage space up to a maximum of 1GB. The DigiLocker will be linked to the Aadhar card number thus ensuring proper privacy and confidentiality of personal government records. DigiLocker will enable quick submission and receipt of services from government agencies.

#5 A precursory document for opening bank account, SEBI trading and much more

Aadhar card is now approved and accepted as one of the precursory document for opening bank accounts, SEBI trading accounts, demat account and much more. Banks have already made it mandatory for new account applicants to furnish their Aadhar card number to activate bank accounts. Linking Aadhar card to bank accounts also makes it easy to receive government-funded subsidies and benefits like tribal welfare schemes, educational scholarships, subsidy for commodity products, etc.

Check here: How to link Aadhar with Bank Account for your Benefit?

Aadhar card has reformed the way Indian population access government utilities. With the great emphasis being given by the government and related agencies, Aadhar card has become a must have for all Indians. In the coming days, it might become a mandatory document without which one cannot avail access to basic utility services.

Note: I also recommend you to have a look on benefits of having an Aadhar Card with a visual guide.

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