In a significant move to enhance the user experience of Aadhaar services, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has partnered with Bengaluru-based startup Sarvam AI. This collaboration aims to integrate advanced artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities into the Aadhaar ecosystem, focusing on voice-based interactions, real-time fraud detection, and multilingual support.
Empowering Users Through AI-Powered Voice Interactions
Effective from March 18, 2025, Sarvam AI's technology will facilitate voice-based interactions for residents seeking Aadhaar-related services. This AI solution will provide near real-time feedback on the enrollment and update processes, helping identify issues such as overcharging. By leveraging AI-powered voice support, UIDAI aims to streamline the experience for Aadhaar number holders and improve service efficiency.
Enhancing Security with Real-Time Fraud Alerts
Security is a paramount concern for UIDAI. The partnership introduces real-time fraud detection alerts. The AI system will monitor authentication requests and flag suspicious activities, ensuring an additional layer of security for Aadhaar users. This proactive approach aligns with UIDAI's commitment to safeguarding resident data and preventing misuse of Aadhaar credentials.
Bridging Language Barriers with Multilingual Support
Recognizing India's linguistic diversity, the AI solution will support voice interactions and fraud detection in ten languages, including Hindi, English, Telugu, Tamil, Marathi, Gujarati, Kannada, Odia, Punjabi, and Malayalam. UIDAI has confirmed that more languages will be introduced in the coming months, making these facilities even more accessible to citizens across the country.
Ensuring Data Privacy and Sovereignty
Sarvam AI has delivered a custom Generative AI (GenAI) stack, being hosted on-premise within an air-gapped UIDAI infrastructure. No data will leave UIDAI's secure environment at any stage of operation, ensuring full compliance with data sovereignty and security protocols. The agreement will be initially valid for a period of one year and may be extended by one more year. The development of this innovative solution was made possible through UIDAI's volunteer policy, which enables industry collaborations. Volunteers from Sarvam AI worked closely with UIDAI's Technology Centre in Bengaluru to develop and deploy the GenAI solution. The ownership of the solution will be with UIDAI.
About Sarvam AI
Founded in 2023 by Vivek Raghavan and Pratyush Kumar, Sarvam AI is an Indian artificial intelligence startup focused on building large language models customized for Indian languages and contexts. The company aims to build efficient Indian language voice bots and productivity tools for knowledge workers. Sarvam AI's mission is to build a full-stack AI system designed to operate at scale and address the needs of a highly diverse population.
In December 2023, Sarvam AI raised $41 million in a Series A funding round led by Lightspeed Venture Partners, with participation from Peak XV Partners and Khosla Ventures. The funds are being utilized to expand research and development, scale up infrastructure, and recruit talent to accomplish the company's vision.
Looking Ahead
The integration of AI into Aadhaar services marks a significant step towards making the system more user-friendly, secure, and accessible. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and focusing on user-centric innovation, UIDAI and Sarvam AI are setting a precedent for how government services can evolve to meet the needs of a diverse and digitally connected population.
As the collaboration progresses, users can expect more streamlined interactions with Aadhaar services, enhanced security measures, and support in their native languages, making the system more inclusive and efficient.