UID glitch hits senior citizens

The government’s much-hyped scheme of issuing a unique identification number (UID) to citizens has hit a roadblock in Delhi. Many senior citizens are facing difficulties as the biometric machines are unable to read their fingerprints.

The government’s much-hyped scheme of issuing a unique identification number (UID) to citizens has hit a roadblock in Delhi. Many senior citizens are facing difficulties as the biometric machines are unable to read their fingerprints.

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Said an operator recording fingerprints in GK-I, “Due to old age, the lines on fingers virtually disappear and the machines are unable to register them. But we have been told to follow the rules.”

“I stood in the queue thrice, but the operator said my fingerprints were not being processed. They said they had to follow the guidelines and my form was rejected” said GK-I resident ML Khetrapal.

Along with this, cameras used by officials are unable to read the irises of people who have had their cataracts removed.
Delhi revenue minister AK Walia said, “We were not aware of this problem. We’ll take it up in our review meeting next week.”

A regional officer of the Unique Identification Authority of India said, “We’ve asked the agency implementing it (UID) to submit a report.”