The Uniqe Identification (UID) or Aadhaar number is going to be a valid document for opening bank accounts for a huge chunk of the Indian population which still is way away from the roots of banking facilities. The Aadhaar number is going to come into practical usage for opening bank accounts in the coming 2-3 months, informed Ashok Pal Singh, deputy director general, Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).

The UID number is a 12 digit unique number which would be given to Indian citizens. It contains all personal details of the individual along with biometric information.

UIDAI has tied up with 64 banks so far in this regard. Out of them, 25 are state-owned banks, 12 private banks and one foreign bank. Remaining consist of regional rural banks (RRBs) and cooperative banks. The banks would be given all data in relation to customers following which they have to open bank accounts for them.

"Once the data is shared with the banks, they will have to open the accounts within one month," said Singh.