Aadhaar App Goes Paperless, Simplifies Verification Nationwide
New Delhi: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology launched a new Aadhaar App today, dedicated to the nation by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry and Electronics & IT, Jitin Prasada. Developed by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), the next-generation mobile application is designed to provide Aadhaar Number Holders (ANH) with a secure, convenient, and privacy-first way to carry, share, show, and verify their digital identity.
Speaking at the launch, Prasada congratulated UIDAI for its work and described Aadhaar as a showcase of digital governance in India. He said the new App is intended to make service delivery seamless and accelerate processes for residents across multiple sectors.
The App supports a wide range of practical use cases. It allows hotel check-ins through QR code scanning of Offline Verification Seeking Entity (OVSE) codes, optional face verification, age verification for cinema ticket bookings, hospital admissions for visitors and attendants, and verification of gig workers and service partners. Advanced functionalities include face verification for proof of presence, biometric lock/unlock in a single click, viewing authentication history, and a QR-based contact card for sharing contact details efficiently.
The App also introduces the “One Family – One App” feature, allowing management of up to five Aadhaar profiles on a single device. Residents can update their registered mobile numbers through the App, along with address updates, with additional services planned for future releases.
UIDAI Chairman Neelkanth Mishra described the launch as a significant step in India’s journey from paper-based to paperless verification systems, emphasising that residents remain at the centre of UIDAI’s action and innovation. CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar highlighted selective credential sharing as a key feature, ensuring Aadhaar numbers are not stored by verifiers and that only digitally signed verifiable credentials are shared. He noted that this approach aligns with the principles of data minimisation under the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act.
Highlighting the broader significance of Aadhaar, officials noted that at India’s scale, a digital identity system is not merely a technological achievement but also a matter of public trust, citizen empowerment, and good governance. The new App is structured around resident-centric principles, giving individuals control, consent, and convenience over their digital identity.
Secretary of MeitY, S Krishan, said the App promotes data minimisation and enhances security by enabling selective sharing of information by Aadhaar number holders. Residents can share only specific identity fields required for a particular transaction, reducing unnecessary data exposure.
With the launch, India reaffirmed its commitment to a resident-centric, inclusive, and trust-based digital public infrastructure, combining modern technology with secure, convenient access to identity verification.
– global bihari bureau
