Why you must save your PAN, Aadhaar and other important documents in DigiLocker for emergencies

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As tensions between India and Pakistan are on the rise, most people are starting to think about how well-equipped they actually are for an emergency. Whether it's war-like geopolitical tension, natural calamities, or cyber attacks, one important component of personal security falls in the background: the security of vital documents. In a time when identity documents such as PAN cards, Aadhaar numbers, bank passbooks, insurance policies, and property deeds are essential to obtain services and establish citizenship, getting these documents into a digital vault has never been more crucial. DigiLocker, a flagship initiative under the Indian government’s Digital India program, offers a secure and reliable solution to ensure that even in times of chaos, your documents remain accessible and safe.

DigiLocker: India’s digital locker for critical documents

DigiLocker is a cloud-based platform developed by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology that allows Indian citizens to store and access digital versions of essential documents. It is also associated with the user's Aadhaar number and allows for storage as well as official issuance and authentication of documents. From the PAN card to the voter card, to registration certificates for automobiles and degrees at universities, DigiLocker works as a protected digital vault eliminating the need for physical copies. It also enables the users to download documents issued by other government departments directly into their locker, so they don't have to even upload scans if the issuing department is on board with the platform.

Why DigiLocker is important during crisis

DigiLocker's necessity becomes all the more clear during crises such as wars, floods, earthquakes, or large-scale cyberattacks. If you are compelled to vacate your premises in haste or lose access to physical possessions, it becomes a significant challenge to retrieve identification documents or financial documents. DigiLocker makes sure that you have access to important documents from anywhere on earth with the help of just internet and a secure login. This recent spate of cross-border tensions brought back the issue of citizen readiness. As government departments keep striving for national defence, citizens also need to take proactive measures to safeguard their identity and assets during periods of turbulence. Loss of access to financial records can slow relief aid, hinder insurance claims, or prevent bank access—problems that DigiLocker alleviates.

Legal validity and data safety

Files kept in DigiLocker are legally valid according to the Information Technology Act, 2000, and are also accepted as valid evidence by government departments and institutions. They are as valid as original paper documents, so users can present them for official purposes without the need for attested hard copies. DigiLocker uses robust encryption protocols and security standards, so it is a reliable platform for keeping documents. It also facilitates sharing of e-documents from the locker directly with authorized agencies to minimize forgery or tampering risks.

It is easy to get started

To begin with DigiLocker, you need just a mobile number and an Aadhaar card. Registration is possible on the government website or from the DigiLocker mobile application. After registering, users can upload scanned copies of documents or draw government-issued digital certificates directly into the locker. For example, driving licenses, vehicle registration records, CBSE mark sheets, and even COVID-19 vaccination certificates are readily available for most users to download.

A long-term solution for uncertain times

Whether it's a hasty evacuation from military unrest or an inability to access physical assets in a disaster, having your documents scanned and stored centrally provides you with control over your finances and identity. The notion that vital documents might be lost, damaged, or hijacked during such crises is not unthinkable, and options such as DigiLocker are meant specifically to avoid such situations from blowing out of proportion. With increased uncertainties globally, from wars to cyber attacks, digital preparedness is no longer a choice—it's a necessity.

DigiLocker is not convenience; it's a new essential in a tumultuous world. During these kinds of times, when each minute and each paper can be important, having your PAN, Aadhaar, and other important financial documents safely locked away in a government-supported digital locker is one step towards higher personal resilience and peace of mind.