Space crunch delays UID enrolment

Enrolment for the online Unique Identification (UID) scheme Aadhaar has been delayed because of unavailability of space to set up registration centres.

Enrolment for the online Unique Identification (UID) scheme Aadhaar has been delayed because of unavailability of space to set up registration centres.

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The UID’s website, www.mahaonline.gov.in -- a joint venture of the state government and Tata Consultancy Services – has been installed with the required software for online enrolment but it is yet to open to the public because the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is yet to figure out where to set up the centres.

Satnam Sethi, chief operating officer of Mahaonline said, “Our set-up is ready but the UIDAI and state authorities haven’t given us space to start the centres. Next week we are meeting UIDAI authorities to discuss this.”

Dr Santosh Bhogle, under secretary (IT) at the Directorate of Information Technology, which is overlooking UID enrolments in the state said, “For allocation of space, Mahaonline should co-ordinate with the local corporation, council or district collector.”

A senior official of UIDAI who requested anonymity said, “UIDAI is responsible only for central processing of data. The enrolment process is the responsibility of the registrar with whom the state government and agencies have to co-ordinate.”

Once the online enrolment facility starts, applicants will be able to download and submit UID forms online. Following enrolment, the applicant has to visit the registration centre where they will be required to provide their biometric details including fingerprints and an iris scan.

To enable this, applicants will receive an email confirming their enrolment and an SMS that will include the date, time, address of the centre, contact person’s name and number and temporary registration number. The applicants will also receive reminder SMS and an email a day prior to the registration.