Aadhar: What you need to know about it

Aadhar is again in news these days. I have compiled this post to help you know more about Aadhar.

So, what is Aadhar?

Aadhar is Multipurpose National Identity Card or Unique Identification card (UID Card). Though the project name mentions the word 'card', currently there's no plan to issue a card. They will be issuing only Aadhar number.

Will I get an Aadhar card?No! You will just get unique Aadhar number.

What's the use of Aadhar number? Why should I apply for Aadhar number?
One of the answers I found on the official Aadhar Faq Page says:

Adhaar means foundation , therefore it is the base on which any delivery system can be built. Aadhaar can be used in any system which needs to establish the identity of a resident and/or provide secure access for the resident to services/benefits offered by the system. Aadhaar can be used in the delivery of the following programs:

Food & Nutrition – Public Distribution System, Food Security, Mid Day Meals, Integrated Child Development Scheme.

Employment – Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana, Indira Awaaz Yojana, Prime Minister’s Employment Guarantee Program

Education – Sarva Shikhsha Abhiyaan, Right to Education

Inclusion & Social Security – Janani Suraksha Yojana, Development of Primitive Tribe Groups,

Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme

Healthcare – Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana, Janashri Bima Yojana, Aam Aadmi Bima Yojana
Other miscellaneous purposes including Property Transactions, VoterID, PAN Card etc.

What documents are accepted as Proof Of Identity(PoI) for Aadhar?

Passport
PAN Card
Ration or PDS photo card
Voter ID
Driving Licence
Government Photo ID Card
NREGS Job Card
Photo ID issued by recognized Educational Institution
Arms Licence
Bank ATM card with photo
Photo credit card
Pensioner photo card
Freedom Fighter Photo Card
CGHS or ECHS Photo Card
Address Card having Name and photo issued by Department Of Post
Certificate of Identity issued by Group A Gazetted Officer

What documents are accepted as Proof Of Address(PoA) for Aadhar?

Passport
Bank Statement or Passbook
Post Office Account Statement or Passbook
Ration Card
Voter ID
Driving Licence
Government Photo ID Card
Electricity Bill not older than 3 months
Water Bill not older than 3 months
Telephone land line bill not older than 3 months

Can I apply for Aadhar online?

As of today(1st July 2011), you can not apply online for Aadhar.

How/where can I apply for Aadhar number?

They have not started issuing Aadhar number in all the cities. Call up Aadhar helpline number ask for your nearest location.

adhar helpline number?Call 18001801947

What's the information asked when applying for Aadhar number?

Name, Date of Birth, Gender, Address, Parent/Guardian details (required for children, adults may provide), Contact details phone and email (optional)
Biometric Information required: Photo, 10 finger prints, Iris
Where can I find more information about Aadhar?

unique Identification Authority of India on Wikipedia
UIDAI official website http://uidai.gov.in/
call up Aadhar helpline: 18001801947