Aadhar: What you need to know about it

Aadhar is again in news these days. I did some quick search and have compiled this post to help you know more about Aadhar.

1. So, what is Aadhar?
   Aadhar is Multipurpose National Identity Card or Unique Identification card (UID Card). Though the project name mentions the word 'card', currently there's no plan to issue a card. They will be issuing only Aadhar number.
   
   
2. Will I get an Aadhar card?
   No! You will just get unique Aadhar number.
   
   
3. What's the use of Aadhar number? Why should I apply for Aadhar number?
   One of the answers I found on the official Aadhar Faq Page says:
   Aadhaar means foundation , therefore it is the base on which any delivery system can be built. Aadhaar can be used in any system which needs to establish the identity of a resident and/or provide secure access for the resident to services/benefits offered by the system. Aadhaar can be used in the delivery of the following programs:
   • Food & Nutrition – Public Distribution System, Food Security, Mid Day Meals, Integrated Child Development Scheme.
   • Employment – Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana, Indira Awaaz Yojana, Prime Minister’s Employment Guarantee Program
   • Education – Sarva Shikhsha Abhiyaan, Right to Education
   • Inclusion & Social Security – Janani Suraksha Yojana, Development of Primitive Tribe Groups, Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme
   • Healthcare – Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana, Janashri Bima Yojana, Aam Aadmi Bima Yojana
   • Other miscellaneous purposes including Property Transactions, VoterID, PAN Card etc.
     
     
4. What documents are accepted as Proof Of Identity(PoI) for Aadhar?
   • Passport
   • PAN Card
   • Ration or PDS photo card
   • Voter ID
   • Driving Licence
   • Government Photo ID Card
   • NREGS Job Card
   • Photo ID issued by recognized Educational Institution
   • Arms Licence
   • Bank ATM card with photo
   • Photo credit card
   • Pensioner photo card
   • Freedom Fighter Photo Card
   • CGHS or ECHS Photo Card
   • Address Card  having Name and photo issued by Department Of Post
   • Certificate of Identity issued by Group A Gazetted Officer
     
     
5. What documents are accepted as Proof Of Address(PoA) for Aadhar?
   • Passport
   • Bank Statement or Passbook
   • Post Office Account Statement or Passbook
   • Ration Card
   • Voter ID
   • Driving Licence
   • Government Photo ID Card
   • Electricity Bill not older than 3 months
   • Water Bill not older than 3 months
   • Telephone land line bill not older than 3 months
     
6. Can I apply for Aadhar online?As of today(1st July 2011), you can not apply online for Aadhar.
   
7. How/where can I apply for Aadhar number?They have not started issuing Aadhar number in all the cities. Call up Aadhar helpline number ask for your nearest location.
   
8. Aadhar helpline number?Call 18001801947
   
9. What's the information asked when applying for Aadhar number?
   Name,  Date of Birth, Gender, Address, Parent/Guardian details (required for children, adults may provide), Contact details phone and email (optional)

   Biometric Information required: Photo, 10 finger prints, Iris

10. Where can I find more information about Aadhar?
• Unique Identification Authority of India on Wikipedia
• UIDAI official website http://uidai.gov.in/
• Aadhar in news. 
• Aadhar must for LPG delivery, Deccan Herald June 23, 2011
• Aadhar available at post offices, Deccan Herald June 24, 2011
• Call up Aadhar helpline: 18001801947

If you know more information/resources on Aadhar, please share it in comments.