New Delhi, January 15: Aadhaar has become one of the most important identity documents in the country. According to the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), 125 crore residents of the country have Aadhaar card. While the UIDAI maintains that data collected for Aadhaar is kept safe, many fear while sharing their 12-digit unique identity number. To address this, the UIDAI has introduced a feature called 'Masked Aadhaar' in which the 12-digit number will be partially covered. Aadhaar Card Issued to Over 125 Crore Indians, Use of 12-Digit Number For Identity Purpose 'Rapidly Increasing': UIDAI.

Those who have an Aadhaar card can download a masked e-Aadhaar card from UIDAI's official website. The masked e-Aadhaar card can be used during identification where the 12-digit Aadhaar number is not required. On the masked e-Aadhaar card, first eight digits are hidden, while the remaining four remain visible. Besides, your photo, QR code, demographic information, and other details will also be present. Aadhaar Card Holders Can be Fined Rs 10,000 For Entering Wrong Details While Filing IT Returns.

Here's how you can download masked Aadhaar card:

1. Visit UIDAI website uidai.gov.in.

2. Select My Aadhaar option.

3. Under 'My Aadhaar'tab, click on 'Download Aadhaar'.

4. There are 3 options to download the e-Aadhaar.

a. Aadhaar number

b. Enrolment ID (EID)

c. Virtual ID (VID)

5. All these options have a checkbox that says 'I want a masked Aadhaar'. Click on that.

6. Click on the send OTP button. An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number.

7. Enter the OTP on the website to access your masked Aadhaar.

8. You can also click on the Enter TOTP (Time-bound OTP)

The digitally-signed masked e-Aadhaar can be used where you have to provide Aadhaar only as an identity proof. Mind you, masked Aadhaar cannot be used for government welfare schemes such as LPG subsidy, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 15, 2020 01:46 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).