Source: The Hindu
Context
Security researchers identified multiple vulnerabilities in the UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) portal that exposed sensitive user data across several government services. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has acknowledged the issue and initiated corrective measures.
What is UMANG?
- UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) is a single digital platform that provides citizens access to a wide range of Central, State, and local government services through one mobile application and web portal.
- Launched: November 2017
- Developed by: National e-Governance Division (NeGD) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
- It is a key component of the Digital India Programme.
Objective
- To provide single-window access to government services.
- To improve ease of governance, transparency, and digital service delivery.
- To reduce the need for multiple government applications and portals.
Key Features
- Provides access to 2,400+ government services from Central, State and local bodies.
- Available through Android, iOS and web portal.
- Supports multiple Indian languages.
- Integrates services from departments such as:
- EPFO
- Passport
- DigiLocker
- PAN services
- LPG booking
- Aadhaar-enabled services
- Pension services
- Utility bill payments
- Health and education services
About EPFO UAN
- UAN (Universal Account Number) is a 12-digit unique number allotted by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).
- It links multiple PF accounts of an employee under one identity.
- Enables online services such as:
- PF balance check
- Claims
- KYC updates
- Account transfers
About CERT-In
- Full Form: Indian Computer Emergency Response Team
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
- Established: 2004
- Legal Basis: Section 70B of the Information Technology Act, 2000
