Do not ever loose important documents.
In India, it is not only necessary but also mandatory to possess specific identification documents for a variety of purposes, including the ability to access government services and engage in financial transactions. These documents are used to verify your identity, address, citizenship, and qualifications. In order to consolidate these disparate services, it is possible to submit applications for these documents through government portals and Janseva kendras, occasionally simultaneously. The following is a comprehensive list of the ten most critical identification documents that every Indian should possess.
Aadhaar Card
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) issues the Aadhaar card, which is a distinctive form of identification. It includes the individual’s demographic information, biometric details, and a 12-digit unique identification number. Currently, Aadhaar is of paramount importance for the purpose of obtaining various policies or even for the purpose of completing basic registrations. To access government services, register on government portals, establish bank accounts, and receive government subsidies, it is necessary to have one’s Aadhaar card on hand.
Birth Certificate
A birth certificate is issued at birth and must be carefully stored and carried until the individual’s demise. It is a municipal authority-issued official document that serves as a record of a child’s birth. The birth certificate is a critical document for obtaining other documents, such as a passport, Aadhaar card, and school admission, as it functions as evidence of the date and place of birth.
PAN Card
The Permanent Account Number (PAN) card, which is issued by the Income Tax Department, is crucial for the purpose of conducting financial transactions, including the establishment of bank accounts, the investment of securities, the acquisition of high-value assets, and the filing of income tax returns. In the event that the Aadhaar card is unavailable, the PAN card may be used as the primary form of identification. Additionally, it functions as proof of identity.
Voter ID
The Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC), also known as the Voter ID card, is issued by the Election Commission of India. It allows individuals to exercise their right to vote in elections, thereby enabling them to participate in the democratic process. However, in order to submit a vote, an individual must have their name on the voting list and a voter identification number. Furthermore, it establishes a valid proof of identity and address.
Driver’s License
The Regional Transport Office (RTO) issues a driving licence that is mandatory for individuals to legally operate a motor vehicle on Indian roads. The licence also specifies the class of vehicle that an individual is eligible to operate. It is a form of identification that also verifies the holder’s capacity to operate a motor vehicle. It is crucial to acknowledge that the majority of individuals obtain their driving licenses after the age of 18 and are required to renew them periodically.
Ration Card
The ration card is a state-issued official document that enables the holder to purchase subsidised food grains and other essential items from fair-priced stores. There are various varieties of Rations cards that offer varying levels of subsidies. For instance, the white card that is granted to families that reside below the poverty limit. It also functions as evidence of identity and residence for the purpose of accessing a variety of government initiatives and benefits.
Passport
A passport is a mandatory travel document that is issued to Indian citizens by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. It is used as evidence of Indian citizenship and identity when travelling abroad. Furthermore, it facilitates international travel by functioning as a supporting document for visas issued by various countries.
Educational Certificates
Educational certificates, such as school leaving certificates, mark records, and degree certificates, are necessary to verify one’s educational qualifications. These documents are necessary for a variety of purposes, including the application for government positions and scholarships, as well as for employment and higher education. It is imperative to preserve your educational certificates for future reference.
Marriage Certificate
A marriage certificate is a legal document that is issued by the Registrar of Marriages and functions as evidence of the union. It is essential for the purpose of claiming a variety of social security benefits, obtaining a visa for the spouse, and revising the marital status in other official documents.
Bank Passbooks
Banks issue bank passbooks or statements to their account holders, which serve as a record of account balance, transactions, and other financial information. They are crucial for the management of finances, the application for loans, and the provision of other banking services. It also functions as an identification document and is necessary for the application of other identification documents, such as passports.
What are the potential consequences of losing these critical documents?
The loss of critical documents can have substantial consequences, particularly in a country where they are frequently the primary evidence of identity, citizenship, and rights. There are several hazards that are linked to the loss of critical documents:
Identity theft: Financial fraud and the misuse of personal information can result from the vulnerability of individuals to identity theft in the absence of appropriate identification.
Citizenship issues: The Aadhaar card, passport, and voter ID are essential for establishing Indian citizenship. As evidenced by the National Register of Citizens (NRC) controversy in Assam, the loss of these documents can lead to legal complications and even the risk of losing citizenship.
Access to services: Identification documents are frequently required for essential services, including banking, healthcare, and government subsidies. Access to these services may be impaired by their loss.
Requirements for legal and financial delays: These documents are also necessary for a variety of legal processes. Their absence can result in delays in property transactions, court proceedings, and inheritance claims.