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New Delhi: Today Aadhar card is used for every important work. Be it opening a bank account, getting a SIM or any government scheme, a copy of Aadhaar is required everywhere. Till now, to get its digital copy one had to go to UIDAI website. Enter OTP, fill captcha and then download the PDF.

This process was a bit difficult for many people, especially for those who do all their work on mobile. Now UIDAI has made this process easier. PDF copy of Aadhaar card can now also be downloaded directly on WhatsApp. That means there is no need to open the website, just a chat and the document comes to the phone in a few steps.

UIDAI has started its official WhatsApp service. The user has to send Hi to UIDAI’s designated WhatsApp number +91-9013151515. After this, an automatic chat starts, in which the option of different services to Aadhaar is available. First you have to select Digilocker option. There is also an option to download Aadhaar. As soon as the user selects this, the Aadhaar number is entered and OTP is received on the registered mobile number. As soon as the OTP is entered correctly, the PDF file of Aadhaar is available on WhatsApp chat.

Its biggest benefit is to those people who have difficulty in computer or website navigation. In India, most people use mobile phones for government services and WhatsApp is present in almost every smartphone. In such a situation, bringing the facility of Aadhaar download on WhatsApp is being considered a practical step.

Regarding security, UIDAI has also made it clear that no document is shared without OTP verification. That is, only the person whose mobile number is linked to Aadhaar can download Aadhaar. The PDF file is also password protected, to open which the date of birth has to be entered.

This change may seem small from the point of view of digital governance, but it is very useful for the common user. Now there will be less need to go to cyber café or take help from someone else to get a copy of Aadhaar. Especially for senior citizens and rural users, this facility can save both time and effort. It is noteworthy that the government is already running platforms like DigiLocker, UMANG and mAadhaar. Aadhaar can also be downloaded from these platforms.