UIDAI Unveils Five Digital Identity Initiatives

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) announced five digital identity initiatives at Aadhaar Samvaad in Kolkata on 29 September 2026, which marked the 17th Aadhaar Day. The initiatives cover Aadhaar authentication, resident services, and digital governance under the Aadhaar ecosystem.

Aadhaar Authentication and ePDS

Face Authentication for the Electronic Public Distribution System (ePDS) is one of the new launches. The system is a joint initiative of UIDAI, the Department of Food and Public Distribution, and the National Informatics Centre. The ePDS is a digital platform used for public distribution of subsidised food grains in India.

SWIK Portal 2.0 and Sub-AUA/Sub-KUA (LITE)

UIDAI introduced SWIK Portal 2.0 for non-Government entities that seek approval for Aadhaar authentication under the Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance framework. The new Sub-AUA/Sub-KUA (LITE) Framework is designed for government and eligible non-government entities with low-volume authentication requirements. A Sub-AUA is a Sub Authentication User Agency, and a Sub-KUA is a Sub KYC User Agency in the Aadhaar authentication architecture.

Resident Services and Digital Access

UIDAI launched a new Token Management System for individuals visiting UIDAI state and regional offices for services. The UIDAI website has also been revamped and now supports 13 languages, with a planned expansion to 23 languages. The website includes a career portal for online applications for deputation opportunities.

Important Facts for Exams

• Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identity number issued by UIDAI under the Aadhaar Act, 2016.
• UIDAI functions under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
• Aadhaar authentication uses demographic data, biometric data, or both for identity verification.
• Face authentication is one of the biometric modes used in Aadhaar-based verification systems.

Stakeholders and Official Presence

More than 600 stakeholders attended the event in Kolkata, including policymakers, industry leaders, technocrats, and professionals. Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry and Electronics and Information Technology, was the chief guest at the conference.

UIDAI CEO Saurabh Vijay stated that residents remain central to UIDAI’s functions. Aadhaar Day is observed annually on 29 September, the date linked with the launch of the Aadhaar programme in 2010.