Aadhaar appeal grows, downloads go past 40-crore mark

New Delhi: Increased acceptance of Aadhaar as a proof to validate credentials has led to a higher number of downloads of the unique ID, which has surpassed over 40 crore till date, the Unique Identification Authority of India said on Monday.

"As on date, Aadhaar downloads have crossed 40 crore. The reasons for popularity of download of Aadhaar through the website can be attributed to increased usage of Aadhaar as a proof of identity and address by service providers and the ease with which residents can download Aadhaar from the UIDAI website," UIDAI said in a statement.

The number of people downloading Aadhaar on the UIDAI website is on the rise, with the number of average downloads per day at 6 lakh, it said.

The total number of Aadhaar accounts generated as on May 2, 2016, stands at 100.93 crore.

In terms of data and validity, e-Aadhaar is the same as its physical variant. The downloaded Aadhaar has also been notified as a valid proof of identity and address by the Reserve Bank of India.

"Anyone who has misplaced his/her Aadhaar or is yet to receive Aadhaar card through post can easily download an Aadhaar after providing certain details online. In case, a person does not remember the details, the Aadhaar can be downloaded and printed from the nearest authorised Aadhaar kendra for a nominal fee of Rs 10," UIDAI Director General and Mission Director Ajay Bhushan Pandey said.

Central and state governments have linked various social schemes and projects to furnishing of Aadhaar details.