Quick summary
Under Digital India, many government services can now be used online from a phone or computer. DigiLocker keeps your official documents in digital form, Aaple Sarkar (आपले सरकार) gives Maharashtra's public services online, and UPI lets you send money instantly from one bank account to another. Services keep changing, so always check the official site for the latest list of services.
Key points
- DigiLocker is a digital document wallet of the Government of India, run under the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY).
- Documents issued into DigiLocker by the issuing department are accepted as valid, like the originals, under rules made under the IT Act.
- Aaple Sarkar is the Maharashtra government's online portal for public services such as certificates.
- The Maharashtra Right to Public Services Act, 2015 gives citizens notified services within a fixed time limit.
- Aaple Sarkar Seva Kendras help people who do not have Internet or a computer at home.
- UPI (Unified Payments Interface) was developed by NPCI for instant bank-to-bank payments.
- A UPI payment uses a UPI ID (like name@bank) or a QR code, and needs your UPI PIN.
- Aadhaar is a 12-digit identity number issued by UIDAI.
- Common Service Centres (CSC) give government and other e-services in villages and towns.
- Indian government websites usually end in .gov.in. This is a simple trust check before you enter details.
DigiLocker and Aadhaar
DigiLocker lets you keep important documents in one safe online place. You sign up with your mobile number and can link your Aadhaar. Departments and boards issue documents straight into your account. Examples include the Aadhaar card, PAN card, driving licence and education marksheets. Because these documents come directly from the issuer, they can be shown instead of carrying paper copies, wherever DigiLocker documents are accepted.
Aadhaar is issued by UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India). It is used to prove identity for many services. Never share the OTP that comes for Aadhaar verification with strangers.
Aaple Sarkar and UPI
| Service | What you can do |
|---|---|
| Aaple Sarkar portal | Apply for certificates like income certificate, age-nationality-domicile certificate and caste certificate |
| Aaple Sarkar grievance facility | Register a complaint about a government service |
| Aaple Sarkar Seva Kendra | Get help to apply for services if you have no Internet |
| UPI apps (like BHIM) | Send money, pay by QR code, check balance |
On the Aaple Sarkar portal you create an account, choose the department and service, upload documents and track your application. Under the Right to Public Services Act, each notified service has a time limit within which it should be given.
UPI links your bank account to a mobile app. BHIM is the UPI app made by NPCI; many bank and private apps also support UPI. To pay, enter the receiver's UPI ID or scan their QR code, check the name and amount, then enter your UPI PIN. You never need your PIN to receive money.
Important terms
- DigiLocker – Government of India's digital document wallet.
- Aaple Sarkar – Maharashtra's online portal for public services.
- Right to Public Services Act, 2015 – Maharashtra law for time-bound public services.
- UPI – Unified Payments Interface, for instant bank-to-bank transfer.
- NPCI – National Payments Corporation of India, which developed UPI.
- UIDAI – the authority that issues Aadhaar.
- CSC – Common Service Centre, a local centre for e-services.
Practice questions (with answers)
Q1. Which organisation developed UPI?
- (A) UIDAI
- (B) NPCI
- (C) ISRO
- (D) Election Commission
Q2. Aaple Sarkar is the online service portal of which government?
- (A) Maharashtra
- (B) Kerala
- (C) Punjab
- (D) Assam
Q3. Who issues the Aadhaar number?
- (A) NPCI
- (B) RBI
- (C) UIDAI
- (D) Post Office only
Q4. DigiLocker is mainly used to:
- (A) Play online games
- (B) Send emails
- (C) Book movie tickets
- (D) Keep official documents in digital form
Q5. Which law gives time-bound public services in Maharashtra?
- (A) Right to Public Services Act, 2015
- (B) Motor Vehicles Act
- (C) Copyright Act
- (D) Indian Contract Act
Exam tip
Match each service with its body: UPI – NPCI, Aadhaar – UIDAI, DigiLocker – MeitY, Aaple Sarkar – Maharashtra government.