Govt cracks the whip on firms behind delay in delivery of Aadhar cards
If you have still not received your Aadhar (Unique Identification) card even after getting enrolled months ago, one possible reason could be that the private firm, which took the details, had failed to upload it on time, reports Neelam Pandey.
If you have still not received your Aadhar (Unique Identification) card even after getting enrolled months ago, one possible reason could be that the private firm, which took the details, had failed to upload it on time.
According to Delhi government officials, the private firms that were hired to collect biometric and personal details are required to upload the data immediately so that it can be processed on time. But they are not doing so.
This caused prolonged delays in people getting their UID cards. To bring them in line, the Delhi government has slapped a penalty on one such firm. An order has been issued to stop the release of money in case firms default on paying the penalty.
“One of the firms, which was in charge of northeast district, has been fined as it had delayed the process, resulting in delay in delivery of a number of cards. It is because of them that UID cards, which should reach the applicant in 30 days, sometimes take even 90 days to be delivered. We want to fill these gaps and penalising the private firms is a step in that direction,” said Dharam Pal, revenue secretary, Delhi government.
A number of private firms have been authorised to collect biometric details. Officials said the penalty clause is part of the agreement but it had not been invoked.
“At least 10 to 15 per cent of cards have been delayed and we have issued strict instructions to the private firms that they can be blacklisted if they continue to function in this manner,” said a senior Delhi government official.
As per the first phase figures released in August, while a total of 1.34 crore Delhiites had enrolled themselves, cards had been issued to 1.12 crore.
Delhi government officials said that from April 1, the UID card would be compulsory for accessing and availing any Delhi government service.
This includes registration of marriage, procurement of certificates from the revenue department.
The Delhi government has also tied up with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIAI) for the Annashree Yojna wherein cash subsidies to the poor are being sent to bank accounts linked to the UID.
