Introduction
The Indian Railways, one of the largest railway networks in the world, has recently made a significant decision that has caught the attention of millions of passengers and stakeholders. The decision to approve Aadhaar from the DigiLocker as a valid identity document has the potential to revolutionise the way we travel by train. In this article, we will explore this groundbreaking development, its implications, and answer some common questions.
Aadhaar as a Universal Identity
Aadhaar, India's unique identification system, has become an integral part of the country's identity infrastructure. With over a billion Aadhaar cards issued, it serves as a universal identity proof for Indian citizens. It contains biometric and demographic data, making it a reliable source of information.
The Role of Digital Locker
The Digital Locker is a government initiative aimed at reducing paperwork and making documents accessible digitally. It allows users to store and share various official documents securely. Linking Aadhaar to the Digital Locker streamlines the process of identity verification.
What is the decision all about
The issue regarding accepting Aadhaar and Driving Licence as valid proof of identity when presented from digital locker account of the passenger has been examined by Ministry of Railways and it has been decided that while undertaking journey in a train, if a passenger shows the Aadhaar/Driving Licence from the ‘Issued Documents’ section by logging into his/her DigiLocker account, the same should be considered as valid proof of identity.
It is, however, clarified that the documents uploaded by the user himself/herself (i.e. the documents in ‘Uploaded Documents’ section) will not be considered as a valid proof of identity.
Present Documents as Identity
At present, the following proofs of identity are considered as valid for undertaking journey in any reserved class of Indian Railways:-
I. Voter Photo identity card issued by Election Commission of India
II. Passport
III. PAN Card issued by Income Tax Department
IV. Driving Licence issued by RTO
V. Photo identity card having serial number issued by Central/State Government
VI. Student Identity Card with photograph issued by recognised School/College for their students
VII. Nationalised Bank Passbook with photograph
VIII. Credit Cards issued by Banks with laminated photograph
IX. Unique Identification Card-Aadhaar, m-Aadhaar & e-Aadhaar
X. Photo Identity cards having serial number issued by Public Sector Undertakings of State/Central Government, District Administrations, Municipal bodies and Panchayat Administrations
XI. In case of reserved tickets booked through computerised Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters, for undertaking journey in Sleeper (SL) & Second Reserved Sitting (2S) classes, attested photocopy of Ration Card with photographs and Nationalised Bank Passbook with Photograph are also accepted."
Benefits of This Decision
Convenience: Passengers no longer need to carry physical documents, reducing the risk of loss or damage.
Paperless Travel: The move aligns with the government's Digital India campaign, promoting a paperless, eco-friendly approach.
Efficiency:Railway authorities can quickly verify passenger identities, reducing wait times.
-
Data Security:Digital Locker offers robust security measures, ensuring the safety of personal information.
How to Link Aadhaar from Digital Locker
Linking Aadhaar from the Digital Locker is a straightforward process:
- Log in to your Digital Locker account.
- Select the option to link Aadhaar.
- Enter your Aadhaar number and verify your identity.
- Confirm the linking process.
Security and Privacy Measures
The government has taken significant steps to ensure the security and privacy of Aadhaar data. Stringent encryption and access controls are in place to prevent unauthorised access. Users have control over who can access their documents.
Concerns and Controversies
While the decision to use Aadhaar from the Digital Locker as an identity document has many advantages, it has also raised concerns about data privacy and security breaches. Critics argue that any breach in the Digital Locker system could compromise sensitive personal information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Is linking Aadhaar to the Digital Locker mandatory for train travel?
A.No, it is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended for a more convenient and efficient travel experience.
Q. Can I link someone else's Aadhaar to my Digital Locker?
A. No, you can only link your own Aadhaar to your Digital Locker.
Q. What should I do if I encounter issues while linking Aadhaar to my Digital Locker?
A.You can contact the Digital Locker support team for assistance.
Q. Is my data safe in the Digital Locker?
A.Yes, the government has implemented robust security measures to protect your data.
Q. Can I link other identity documents to my Digital Locker?
A.Yes, you can store various official documents in your Digital Locker.
