Unique Digital ID Launched in India: Next Step in Digital Revolution
India's journey of digital transformation started with Aadhaar card and then transformed the payment system in the form of Unified Payments Interface (UPI). Now the government is working on a plan to introduce a Unique Digital ID, which will give a unique identity to every citizen's digital address. This system is considered a big step towards further strengthening the country's digital public infrastructure.
What is Unique Digital ID?
Unique Digital ID will be an identity in which your address will also be protected in digital form. This means that every citizen or institution will have a unique digital address, which can be accessed instantly from any corner of the country - that too with your permission.
Why is it important?
In today's time, finding the address correctly has become a challenge. Sometimes the name of the street or locality is not known, sometimes the landmark is wrong or incomplete. This leads to late delivery, government letters do not reach on time and many times important documents also get lost. According to a report, the country loses Rs 10 to 14 billion every year due to address ambiguity, which is about 0.5% of the GDP.
The Department of Posts is preparing a draft of the digital address system
This unique digital ID system is being prepared by the Department of Posts of the Government of India. The Prime Minister's Office is directly monitoring it. Currently, its draft version is being prepared, which will soon be presented for public suggestions.
There are chances that its final version will come out by the end of the year 2025.
A law can also be introduced regarding this in the winter session of Parliament. After this, an independent authority will be formed, which will implement and control this digital address system.
How will this system work?
Every citizen or place will get a unique digital code or ID, which:
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You can give to any application or service provider of your choice.
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This ID cannot be shared with anyone without your permission.
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It will work as an accurate location point in government schemes, banking, food delivery, logistics, health services, etc.
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This ID can be connected to GPS or mapping technology, so that the location can be shown completely in digital form.
Your privacy will get full protection
Nowadays many companies share the address of customers with third parties without their knowledge, which puts privacy at risk. This will not happen in the Unique Digital ID system:
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It will be a consent-based system.
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The user's address will not be made available to anyone without his permission.
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It will be managed with data encryption and cyber security measures.
What will be its benefits?
1. Accurate and fast delivery
Your address will now become a digital identity, due to which every type of delivery (such as parcel, document, food etc.) will reach the exact location quickly.
2. Easy access to government services
Government schemes and facilities will be directly accessible to your digital address — such as gas subsidy, ration distribution, Aadhaar verification, etc.
3. Real-time address verification
Digital addresses can be directly used to open bank accounts, get KYC done or get a new connection. This will reduce the incidence of fake addresses and fraud.
4. Digital India will get a new direction
This initiative will take India towards a true digital nation, where the identity and location of citizens will be completely digital, secure and connected.
New India, New Identity: Towards Unique Digital ID
The government aims to ensure that every Indian not only gets an identity, but his location is also digitally verified. This step can take India's digital development to new heights.
For example:
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Aadhaar card made KYC and government services easy.
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UPI revolutionized the payment system.
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Now the Unique Digital ID will eliminate the complexities of the address and make it digital.
Conclusion
The Unique Digital ID is a visionary scheme that will give India new strength in digital governance, smart delivery systems and location verification. As this system is implemented in the coming years, every citizen of the country will have a digital address along with a digital identity.
The biggest benefit of this will be:
"Right place, right time, right service" - India moving towards a new digital system.
FAQs
Q. When can the Unique Digital ID be implemented?
The draft may come out by the end of 2025 and it can be implemented in a phased manner by 2026.
Q. Will this ID be linked to Aadhaar?
It is likely that this system can be linked to Aadhaar, mobile number, or other identification means, but user consent will be necessary.
Q. Will it work in rural areas as well?
Yes, the government aims to have this Unique Digital ID for the whole of India - be it city or village.
Q. Will this change my old address?
No, your traditional address will remain, but a digital code will be generated which will tell the exact location through technology.