In today’s digital age, the Aadhaar Card has become an important part of the identity of every Indian citizen. Whether opening a bank account, taking advantage of a government scheme, or getting a mobile number, Aadhaar has become mandatory. However, people often get confused about Aadhaar and e-Aadhaar. Are both the same thing or different? What are the advantages and disadvantages of both? Let us know in detail.
Aadhaar and e-Aadhaar
The Aadhaar card is a 12-digit unique ID, which is issued by the Government of India on the basis of biometric and demographic information of any person. Once you get Aadhaar, you receive it physically at home. It is in the form of a plastic card or laminated paper which you can keep in your wallet. On the other hand, e-Aadhaar is a digital version of the Aadhaar card which can be downloaded from the UIDAI website or the mAadhaar app.
It is a kind of PDF file that you can keep safe anywhere on your mobile or computer, and it is as valid as the physical Aadhaar card. You can easily use it for both government and non-government work, and no one can ask you for a physical Aadhaar card. To download the e-Aadhaar card, you have to go to https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/genricDownloadAadhaar/en, and then from here, you can download it by entering the Aadhaar number.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Everything has its advantages and disadvantages. Aadhaar card and e-Aadhaar also have some special aspects:
Advantages of physical Aadhaar card
It can be easily used for banks, government schemes, SIM cards, etc., and everyone accepts physical Aadhaar cards easily and instantly. You do not have to argue with anyone. It is very easy to show and get it verified. It can be used even when there is no internet or electricity.
Disadvantages of physical Aadhaar card
There is always a fear of an Aadhaar card being stolen or lost. Once it is lost, it takes some time to get a new Aadhaar card, which can be inconvenient. There is a risk of the physical card getting bent, torn, or damaged by water.
Advantages of e-Aadhaar
It can be downloaded whenever you want and you can easily print it by sending it anywhere. You do not have to worry about it getting lost somewhere, as it is safe on your phone or computer. Helps in environmental protection by reducing the use of gas. Instant verification can be done by scanning the QR code.
Disadvantages of e-Aadhaar
The disadvantage of the digital Aadhaar card is that you always have to remember the password, only then it will work. If you forget the password, you will have to go through the process of resetting it. Also, it can be a bit difficult for people who have less knowledge of technology to use it. Your smartphone’s battery must be charged for it to show.