No deadline for UID registrations

If you are rushing to register for a Unique Identification card (UID), then relax because officials have not set a deadline for the registration process.

If you are rushing to register for a Unique Identification card (UID), then relax because officials have not set a deadline for the registration process.

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The Hindustan Times had on Tuesday reported how the UID registration process was being conducted in a poor manner across the city. During a visit to three registration centres in the city and the suburbs, HT found that the centres lacked boards giving adequate information on the procedure. The centres were mismanaged, because of which citizens had to wait in queues for long hours.

“People need not rush to register. This is a continuous process,” said Gurudutta Ray, assistant director general, Unique Identification Authority of India. Roy is in charge of the UID Regional Office in Mumbai.

About the lack of awareness about the UID among citizens, Ray said, “Private enrolment agencies are responsible for the scheme’s publicity. They have to put up instruction banners at the centres. However, we are taking measures of our own such as the distribution of information pamphlets.”

The state government’s Directorate of Information Technology (IT) is a nodal agency, which is carrying out the programme in the state. It has authorised local bodies such as municipal corporations, councils and district offices for planning and executing the scheme.

“The district collectors in rural areas and municipal commissioners have been given funds to publicise the scheme. They have to coordinate with private agencies,” said Dr Santosh Bhogale, under secretary, General Administration Department (GAD) (IT).

Earlier, there were speculations that the government wanted to complete the registrations by 2012. However, Manisha Mhaiskar, additional municipal commissioner said, “This process will continue even after 2012.”