What are the features and benefits of Aadhaar?

One Aadhaar: Aadhaar is a unique number, and no Aadhaar number holder can have a duplicate number since it is linked to their individual biometrics; thereby identifying fake and ghost identities which result in leakages today. Savings from eliminating duplicates and fakes through Aadhaar-based identification will further enable governments to expand benefits to other eligible individuals.
Portability: Aadhaar is a universal number, and agencies and services can contact the central Unique Identification database from anywhere in the country to authenticate a beneficiary's identity by availing authentication services.
Electronic benefit transfers: The UID-enabled-Bank-Account network will offer a secure and low cost platform to directly remit benefits to Aadhaar number holders without the heavy costs associated today with benefit distribution; the leakages in the current system will also be stemmed as a result.
Aadhaar-based authentication to confirm entitlement delivered to the beneficiary: The UIDAI will offer online authentication services for agencies who wish to validate a Aadhaar number holder's identity; this service will enable confirmation of the entitlement actually reaching the intended beneficiary. Improved services through increased transparency: Clear accountability and transparent monitoring would significantly improve access and quality of entitlements to beneficiaries and the agency alike.
Self-service puts Aadhaar number holders in control: Using Aadhaar as an authentication mechanism, Aadhaar number holders should be able to access up-to-date information about their entitlements, demand services and redress their grievances directly from their mobile phone, kiosks or other means. In the case of self-service on the Aadhaar number holder's mobile, security is assured using two-factor authentication (i.e. by proving possession of the Aadhaar number holder's registered Mobile Number and knowledge of the Aadhaar number holder's Aadhaar PIN). These standards are compliant with the Reserve Bank of India's approved standards for Mobile Banking and Payments.