The government decided to provide Indian residents a unique identity a decade ago. UIDAI, the body authorized to carry out this task, has generated Aadhaar card for over 123 crore residents of India according to the information published on its website. The government requested individuals to link their Aadhaar cards with various services and instruments to expedite and improve the service delivery mechanism which was challenged in the apex court by virtue of privacy infringement. In a response to these calls, UIDAI has come up with masked Aadhaar.
What is Masked Aadhaar?
Masked Aadhaar is like a standard Aadhaar with a difference that the Aadhaar number is partially hidden. Only last four digits of the Aadhaar number are visible in the masked Aadhaar. Other details in the Aadhaar card are same as before, for example, the name, date of birth, gender, address and the QR code. You can download Aadhaar card easily online.
How to Download Masked Aadhaar?
You can download the masked Aadhaar online from UIDAI’s original website. It is, however, worth nothing that you can avail this facility when your mobile number is enrolled in UIDAI’s database. Follow the below steps to download masked Aadhaar:
- Visit UIDAI’s website and click on “Download Aadhaar”
- Choose Aadhaar Number/VID/Enrolment ID and enter details upon the option that you select (Aadhaar Number, Enrollment ID or Virtual ID)
- Enter the Security Code and click on “Send OTP”
- Choose the ‘Masked Aadhaar’ option
- Enter the OTP got on your enrolled mobile number and click on “Verify And Download” to download the masked Aadhaar card
Password of Masked Aadhaar
The downloaded duplicate of Aadhaar card is password protected. You need to enter the password key to open the masked Aadhaar duplicate which can then be printed and shared.
The 8-digit masked Aadhaar secret password is in the following format:
Initial four letters of your name and year in your date of birth.
Ex: Assuming the name is Jaidev Singh and the year of birth is 1990, the secret phrase will be JAID1990
Acceptance of Masked Aadhaar
Masked Aadhaar can be used for identity proof while going in trains, at air terminals and for lodgings. It can also be used to prove your identity any place required. However it may be, it can’t be used for availing benefits provided under government welfare schemes through DBT. You need to submit regular eAadhaar or a duplicate of your Aadhaar card for all government welfare schemes.
Why you should Use Masked Aadhaar Instead of Regular Aadhaar Card?
Masked Aadhaar has many advantages over regular Aadhaar cards. A few of these are mentioned below:
Your original Aadhaar number is covered up and it’s not possible for anyone to get hold of it in masked Aadhaar. But, in case of ordinary Aadhaar cards, your complete Aadhaar number is visible which can be used by others.
Masked Aadhaar can be downloaded whenever required though the normal Aadhaar card can be mentioned by visiting an Aadhaar Enrolment Center.
