UIDAI has launched five new initiatives covering face authentication for ePDS, Aadhaar authentication approvals, low-volume authentication, token management and a revamped website to improve resident convenience and strengthen India’s digital identity ecosystem.
Kolkata — The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has launched five new initiatives aimed at strengthening Aadhaar-based service delivery, improving resident convenience and supporting the next phase of India’s digital identity infrastructure.
The initiatives were unveiled at Aadhaar Samvaad in Kolkata, a stakeholder conference attended by more than 600 policymakers, industry representatives, technocrats and professionals. The event was held alongside the 17th Aadhaar Day.
One of the key initiatives is Face Authentication for the Electronic Public Distribution System (ePDS), developed jointly by UIDAI, the Department of Food and Public Distribution and the National Informatics Centre.
The consent-based and contactless authentication option will provide beneficiaries with an additional method of verification, particularly in cases where fingerprint authentication may be difficult. States and Union Territories will be able to integrate face authentication into their ePDS systems.
UIDAI has also launched SWIK Portal 2.0 to simplify approvals for Aadhaar authentication under the Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance framework. Eligible non-government entities can submit proposals for permissible Aadhaar authentication use cases through the portal to the concerned ministry or department.
Another initiative, the Sub-AUA/Sub-KUA (LITE) Framework, is designed for government and eligible non-government entities with relatively low authentication requirements. These organisations will be able to use the authentication infrastructure of an existing AUA or KUA instead of setting up separate infrastructure, while continuing to comply with UIDAI’s security, privacy and regulatory requirements.
UIDAI also introduced a new Token Management System to make visits to its state and regional offices more convenient for residents seeking applicable services.
The authority has also rolled out a revamped website focused on four major resident needs — understanding Aadhaar, accessing services, locating documents and seeking assistance.
The redesigned website includes accessibility features such as screen-reader compatibility, adjustable font sizes, improved colour contrast and keyboard navigation. It also integrates with BHASHINI and currently supports 13 languages, including English and Hindi. UIDAI plans to expand support to 23 languages.
A new UIDAI Career Portal has also been included to enable online applications for deputation opportunities.
Speaking at the event, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry and Electronics and Information Technology Jitin Prasada said Aadhaar has contributed to service delivery and financial inclusion while highlighting the need for the ecosystem to keep pace with emerging technologies.
UIDAI CEO Saurabh Vijay said resident-centricity remains central to the authority’s approach as Aadhaar continues to evolve around changing requirements related to technology, service delivery, privacy, security and convenience.
