DigiLocker is a web-based safe platform developed by the Government of India that allows members of the population to store and view important documents in an online locker. You do not have to keep the hard-copies of your Aadhaar, PAN card, driving license, vehicle registration or educational certificates, whereas you can save the verified digital versions in this application and access them anytime you require them. It is aimed at simplifying paperwork, making it safer and more convenient.
The platform operates on your Aadhaar account. When you are logged in, you have the option to upload your documents or get them directly with the issuing authorities like UIDAI, CBSE, Income Tax Department, state transport departments, universities and many more. Such files that are digitally issued are considered to be equivalent to the physical originals and this implies that you can present them when under police checks, airport clearance, college admissions and job applications and government services without necessarily having a hard copy of the same.
Convenience is one of the largest benefits of DigiLocker. All things are in one location, you do not need to scourge folders and worst still, you do not need to carry around loads of documents and or lose certificates when travelling. The application also minimizes the usage of photocopies, attestation and duplicated paper works. Once a document is fetched or uploaded, it can always be available whenever you need it.
The other important component of DigiLocker is security. Each and every file is encrypted and an access restriction is established with the help of your Aadhaar-linked authentication. This will maintain safety of your documents and minimize the possibility of loss or destruction of physical copies.
The platform also has e-Sign which enables you sign documents electronically without printing or scanning. This assists in facilitated internet application of jobs, scholarships, admissions and government programmes.
DigiLocker is significant when it comes to ensuring that governance is paperless. It also makes the processes quicker as it replaces physical documents with verified digital documents both among the citizens and institutions. It is also effective in curbing fraud since the documents are provided by reliable sources.
Simply put, DigiLocker will serve as a personal digital briefcase that stores your critical documents securely, readily and legally. It also saves time and reduces paperwork and provides fast access to essential files at any time and place you may require them.