Targeting to cover the entire population by March, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) said the focus is on identifying
“gaps” in Aadhaar enrolment, especially in the case of children and senior citizens.
“We have given Aadhaar to 103.8 crore people...But still there are some gaps in the age group of 0-5 years, 5-18 years and those above 60 years of age, as also certain pockets in the country where the coverage is lesser...so we are focusing on it,” UIDAI CEO Ajay Bhushan Pandey told PTI.
On April 4 this year, the UIDAI reached a historic milestone by generating 100 crore Aadhaar numbers within a span of five-and-a-half years.
Aadhaar is a 12-digit individual identification number issued by the UIDAI on behalf of the government.
New Aadhaar Act
The Centre recently notified the new Aadhaar Act which gives the numbers assigned by it a statutory backing for transfer of subsidies and benefits to people eligible for them.
“In the last 4 months, we have generated four crore Aadhaar numbers...as we reach a saturation, we have to step-up and identify the people all over the country who are yet to be enrolled,” Mr. Pandey said.
For children in the age group of 0-5 years, the UIDAI will leverage hospitals, Anganwadis and playschools, as well as the health machinery (which is used to administer vaccination to small children) for Aadhaar enrolment.
Camps in schools
Similarly, camps will be held in schools for enrolment of children in 5-18 years age group, as well as senior citizens.
“We are actively working with education departments to see such camps are held in the schools,” he said, adding: “Even senior citizens and adults who have not got their Aadhaar numbers can come to camps in schools to get enrolled.”
“We have been given a target and mandate to cover the entire population by March 2017 and we will cover it. But exercise will have to continue as children are born,” he added.
On an overall basis, the enrolments translate into a coverage of 81 per cent, while the adult enrolment for Aadhaar is currently pegged at 96 per cent, he said. - PTI
