New uses of UID/Aadhaar operationalised

According to a NY Times blog post today, 3 different uses of UID numbers, or Aadhaar were operationalised recently:

“Those in the Aadhaar system will now be able to identify themselves by using an eye scanner, which checks the unique patterns in their irises, and providing their ID number. Those with mobile phones can also request a one-time numerical password to be sent by text message, which would be used in conjunction with the user’s ID number. The third service, dubbed e-KYC (“know your customer”), allows users to authorize businesses like banks to receive electronic proof of the users’ identify and home address.

“This is a major step in the direction of enabling Aadhaar holders to avail various services by using the Aadhaar identity platform,” Nandan Nilekeni, chairman of the Unique Identification Authority of India, which oversees Aadhaar, said in a statement.

“It also makes sense for various user agencies — public or private — as they can identify a beneficiary or customer using a secure, economical and paperless format,” he said. “The direct benefit transfer is the biggest benefit, but we will find so many applications in future in banking, telecommunication, insurance, health sectors, including carrying an individual’s health data…
…Residents can update their details at permanent Aadhaar centers set up around the country. At present 500 centers are operational, and another 500 will be opened in the next three months.”

Read more here: http://india.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/05/24/aadhar-program-introduces-instant-verification-services/#more-64350