Dimapur, August 21 (MExN): Nearly 45% (44.40%) of the Nagaland State population is not yet enrolled for Aadhaar putting a question mark on delivery of essential public welfare schemes to a large section of citizens.
Aadhaar is a 12 digit unique-identity number issued to all Indian residents based on their biometric and demographic data and collected by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), a statutory authority established under the Government of India.
As per the data provided by the UIDAI, Aadhaar coverage is highest in Dimapur (79.79%) followed by Kohima (60.67%), while the lowest is in Peren District (27.32%) followed by Wohka at (40.18%).
The State Government is leaving “no stone unturned” to enrol the left-out population, maintained a press release from UIDAI, Regional Office Guwahati, stressing on the need to undertake special enrolment drive to cover the left-out population.
To fast track the Aadhaar enrolment process, the State Government has designated the Commissioner, Nagaland as the Nodal Dept & DC offices, ADC offices, SDO offices etc. were on board as Enrolment Agencies, it said.
Keeping in view the rugged hills, difficult terrains & due to the lack of motorable roads, the Government has set up Aadhaar Enrolment Machines at DC offices, ADC offices, SDO offices etc. for the convenience of the residents or villagers, it added.
However, the Nagaland State Government has created a hurdle through a notification that requires ‘indigenous certificate’ to obtain the Aadhaar card. Many people in the interiors of the State do not possess such a certificate. It creates a barrier for those dependent on government benefits and cannot immediately make an Aadhaar card. The notification makes it impossible for non indigenous inhabitants of the State to obtain an Aadhaar card thereby disenfranchising Indian citizens living in Nagaland State.
Even as implementation suffers, the UIDAI has taken up ‘mopping up’ operation to ensure maximum coverage as most Government & other services such benefits, subsidies, & services like PAN, GST, Bank Accounts, Passport, Land Records, and Property Registration etc. will require Aadhaar Number.
It further stated that as per Section 7 of Aadhaar Act 2016, the Central Government or State Government “may use Aadhaar as an identifier for delivery of various subsidy/benefit/services to the residents.”
Informing that enrolment for Aadhaar is free of cost, it urged citizens to rush to their nearby enrolment centre for the process.
To locate one’s nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre, one can access- https://appointments.uidai.gov.in/easearch.aspx and one can contact on 0361-2228080 or Toll free No. 1947 for further information.
As per the UIDAI website, currently there are 40 Aadhaar enrolment centres in Nagaland with the highest in Dimapur with 14, followed by 7 in Wokha District. There are no such centres in Longleng, Kiphire and Phek District as per the website on August 21.
