UIDAI’s ‘Aadhaar Samvaad’ Sparks New Push for Digital Innovation

10 Apr 2025 CW Team

The event, titled ‘Aadhaar Samvaad’, was inaugurated by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who heads the Ministries of Electronics & IT, Railways, and Information & Broadcasting. In his opening remarks, he described AI as a “new industrial revolution” and stressed that Aadhaar remains at the core of India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). He encouraged stakeholders to explore ways AI could be integrated with DPIs while ensuring data privacy.

The Minister also highlighted Aadhaar-based face authentication as a tool for improving ease of living, calling it a key enabler in delivering digital services seamlessly.

Speaking at the event, MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan said Aadhaar has played a vital role in accelerating financial inclusion and supporting economic growth. He emphasized its strength in identity verification while preserving user privacy.

Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, commended UIDAI for expanding the use of Aadhaar and said that data, when used responsibly, can drive development.

UIDAI Chairman Neelkanth Mishra underlined the growing role of Aadhaar in expanding DPIs. He pointed out the increasing robustness of face authentication as a secure verification method.

UIDAI CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar spoke about the evolving Aadhaar ecosystem and its readiness for the future. He also noted the emotional impact of Aadhaar, sharing how the system has helped reunite missing children with their families.

This was the third edition of Aadhaar Samvaad. Previous editions in Bengaluru (Nov 2024) and Mumbai (Jan 2025) focused on digital identity technologies and the FinTech sector respectively. The Delhi edition centered on “Innovation, Inclusion, and Integration,” and explored how Aadhaar can further strengthen governance and public benefit delivery.

Breakout sessions covered topics like new technologies in Aadhaar enrolment, strengthening privacy, and expanding use cases for governance.

UIDAI also showcased a new mobile app designed to give users greater control over their personal data. The app allows Aadhaar holders to digitally verify and share only the required information via QR code or a requesting app—eliminating the need for physical photocopies while enhancing privacy.

A key feature of the app is built-in face authentication, which has seen widespread adoption with over 150 million transactions per month. The app is currently available to early users from the event, with a broader rollout expected soon based on feedback.

UIDAI hopes that insights from this edition of Aadhaar Samvaad will further refine Aadhaar-enabled services and open up new-use cases for the future.

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) wrapped up a day-long stakeholder meet in New Delhi on Tuesday, bringing together nearly 750 participants, including senior policymakers, technocrats, and sectoral leaders, to discuss ways to enhance service delivery through Aadhaar. The event, titled ‘Aadhaar Samvaad’, was inaugurated by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who heads the Ministries of Electronics & IT, Railways, and Information & Broadcasting. In his opening remarks, he described AI as a “new industrial revolution” and stressed that Aadhaar remains at the core of India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). He encouraged stakeholders to explore ways AI could be integrated with DPIs while ensuring data privacy. The Minister also highlighted Aadhaar-based face authentication as a tool for improving ease of living, calling it a key enabler in delivering digital services seamlessly. Speaking at the event, MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan said Aadhaar has played a vital role in accelerating financial inclusion and supporting economic growth. He emphasized its strength in identity verification while preserving user privacy. Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, commended UIDAI for expanding the use of Aadhaar and said that data, when used responsibly, can drive development. UIDAI Chairman Neelkanth Mishra underlined the growing role of Aadhaar in expanding DPIs. He pointed out the increasing robustness of face authentication as a secure verification method. UIDAI CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar spoke about the evolving Aadhaar ecosystem and its readiness for the future. He also noted the emotional impact of Aadhaar, sharing how the system has helped reunite missing children with their families. This was the third edition of Aadhaar Samvaad. Previous editions in Bengaluru (Nov 2024) and Mumbai (Jan 2025) focused on digital identity technologies and the FinTech sector respectively. The Delhi edition centered on “Innovation, Inclusion, and Integration,” and explored how Aadhaar can further strengthen governance and public benefit delivery. Breakout sessions covered topics like new technologies in Aadhaar enrolment, strengthening privacy, and expanding use cases for governance. UIDAI also showcased a new mobile app designed to give users greater control over their personal data. The app allows Aadhaar holders to digitally verify and share only the required information via QR code or a requesting app—eliminating the need for physical photocopies while enhancing privacy. A key feature of the app is built-in face authentication, which has seen widespread adoption with over 150 million transactions per month. The app is currently available to early users from the event, with a broader rollout expected soon based on feedback. UIDAI hopes that insights from this edition of Aadhaar Samvaad will further refine Aadhaar-enabled services and open up new-use cases for the future.

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