President Pranab Mukherjee batted for Aadhaar and called it a "watershed event" in the development story of India.

The Narendra Modi government has been making Aadhaar mandatory to avail of several services.

Aadhaar, a 12-digit number, is now mandatory for filing Income Tax returns and retaining the existing PAN (permanent account number).

MAKE INDIA A LESS-CASH ECONOMY

Speaking at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Pranab Mukherjee asked people to support the government's drive to make India a less-cash economy.

"I urge all citizens to extend their unstinted support to the mission of a less cash India," President Pranab Mukherjee said after drawing lots for the 100th mega draw for the Lucky Grahak Yojana and Digi Dhan Vyapar Yojana--a scheme to promote digital payments.

President Pranab Mukherjee said that the country is on the cusp of a digital revolution. "All efforts of the government will achieve their end only if people were to adopt them pro-actively," the President said.

#PresidentMukherjee draw lots for 100th mega draw for Lucky Grahak Yojana & Digi Dhan Vyapar Yojana at Rashtrapati Bhavan today pic.twitter.com/EkCblWOVKh - President of India (@RashtrapatiBhvn) 9 April 2017

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at several forums, had asked the youth to take the lead in making India a less-cash society.

Pranab Mukherjee's term as the President of India ends in July.

Also read:

Aadhaar may soon become mandatory to board plane for domestic flights

Aadhaar will soon be aadhaar of your existence: Why you cannot afford to live without the 12-digit number

Also watch:

India Today Conclave 2017: Full video of President Pranab Mukherjee's special address