DigiLocker, developed by the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) as part of the Digital India initiative, is a cloud document storage wallet that allows users to store and access digital copies of important documents such as PAN cards, driving licenses, Aadhaar cards, mark sheets, and insurance papers. In addition to document storage, DigiLocker also enables the verification of credentials through digital signatures and authentication processes. This article will explore the features and benefits of DigiLocker, along with a guide on how to start using the platform.
What is DigiLocker?
DigiLocker is a digital locker service introduced by the Government of India under the Digital India project. It offers a secure cloud-based storage solution for various documents and facilitates their authentication when required. With DigiLocker, individuals can store essential documents such as PAN cards, driving licenses, Aadhaar cards, school mark sheets, and insurance papers in a safe digital format. These documents can be accessed anytime, anywhere, making it convenient for users to verify their identities or provide necessary proof when needed.
Simplifying Document Management
Carrying multiple identification cards and physical copies of various documents can be inconvenient and cumbersome. However, DigiLocker eliminates the need for physical documents by providing a centralized platform for storing and accessing digital copies. Whether it's presenting your driving license to traffic police or sharing your mark sheets with educational institutions, DigiLocker makes the process simpler and hassle-free. By digitizing and storing important documents securely, DigiLocker offers a more streamlined approach to document management.
Enhancing Government Services
DigiLocker also plays a significant role in enhancing government services and schemes. By using DigiLocker, citizens can access benefits and services more efficiently in areas such as employment, education, health, and government schemes. For example, traffic police can verify an individual's driving license by accessing it directly from their DigiLocker wallet. This seamless integration with government agencies ensures faster service delivery and simplifies the process of availing various benefits and schemes.
Academic Documents and Health Records
DigiLocker is not limited to personal identification documents; it also supports the storage of academic certificates and personal health records. For instance, the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has made digitally signed copies of ICSE and ISC marksheets available through DigiLocker. This initiative reduces the reliance on physical copies and facilitates secure access to academic records.
Additionally, DigiLocker introduced a feature in June 2022 that allows users to store personal health records under their Ayushman Bharat ID (ABHA ID). Government agencies can verify the data directly from the issuers in real time with the user's consent, streamlining the process of accessing and sharing health-related information.
How to Start Using DigiLocker?
To begin using DigiLocker, you need to apply for a DigiLocker wallet using your mobile number and Aadhaar number. The application can be submitted through the official DigiLocker website (www.digilocker.gov.in) or by downloading the Android/iOS application. If your mobile number is not already linked to your Aadhaar, you can update it at the nearest permanent Aadhaar enrollment center. Once you have provided the necessary details, including creating a security PIN and entering your email ID, you can proceed to create a username and password to complete the registration process.
After the registration process is complete, you will see various external plug-ins on the dashboard. These plug-ins correspond to specific document types, such as income tax for PAN, motor vehicles, and CISCE for ICSE and ISC marksheets. By clicking on the relevant plug-in, you can import the corresponding document into your DigiLocker account.
Benefits to Citizens
Important Documents Anytime, Anywhere!
With DigiLocker, citizens can access their important documents anytime and anywhere through a secure online platform. This eliminates the need to carry physical copies of documents, reducing the risk of loss or damage.
Authentic Documents, Legally at Par with Originals
DigiLocker ensures the authenticity of stored documents by following the Information Technology Act, 2000, which deems digital documents accessed through DigiLocker as legally valid. Rule 9A of "The Information Technology (Preservation and Retention of Information by Intermediaries Providing Digital Locker Facilities) Rules, 2016" further establishes the equivalence of these documents with their physical counterparts.
Digital Document Exchange with Citizen Consent
DigiLocker facilitates the exchange of digital documents with consent from the citizen. This allows individuals to share their documents securely with relevant agencies and organizations, streamlining processes such as applying for government benefits, employment, financial inclusion, education, and health services.
Faster Service Delivery
By providing easy access to authenticated documents, DigiLocker enables faster service delivery in various sectors. Government agencies and service providers can retrieve required information from DigiLocker in real time, eliminating the need for manual verification processes and reducing administrative overhead.
Benefits to Agencies
Reduced Administrative Overhead
DigiLocker promotes paperless governance by minimizing the use of physical documents and streamlining the verification process. This significantly reduces administrative overhead, making operations more efficient and cost-effective.
Digital Transformation
DigiLocker facilitates the digital transformation of document issuance. Issued documents available through DigiLocker are fetched in real time directly from the issuing agency, ensuring trust and reliability.
Secure Document Gateway
Acting as a secure document exchange platform, DigiLocker provides a trusted gateway between issuers and requesters/verifiers. With the consent of the citizen, documents can be securely exchanged, enhancing data privacy and protection.
Real-Time Verification
DigiLocker offers a verification module that enables government agencies to verify data directly from issuers, ensuring the authenticity and validity of documents. This real-time verification process streamlines the verification process, saving time and resources.
Security Measures
DigiLocker prioritizes the security and privacy of users' data. It utilizes 256-bit SSL certificates to encrypt the information shared during the document issuance process, ensuring that personal information remains confidential. DigiLocker also adheres to ISO 27001 standards, which define best practices for information security management systems.
Storage Capacity and Popularity
Each DigiLocker user is provided with 1GB of cloud storage space, with a maximum file size of 10MB per document. This capacity allows users to store and manage numerous documents securely. As of December 2019, DigiLocker has gained significant popularity, with over 92.28 million registered users and 4.75 billion documents stored on the platform.
Conclusion
DigiLocker is a revolutionary digital document storage and verification platform introduced by the Indian government. It simplifies document management, enhances government services, and offers a range of benefits to both citizens and agencies. With its secure and convenient features, DigiLocker provides a modern solution for document storage, reducing administrative overhead, and streamlining processes. As DigiLocker continues to evolve and expand its services, it promises to play a crucial role in the digitization of India's administrative processes and the empowerment of its citizens.
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