The Hindu, NEW DELHI, November 22, 2011
SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
In a major initiative to enrol people with disabilities for the Unique Identification (UID) number Aadhaar, the Delhi Government, UIDAI and non-government organisation Svayam have joined hands to reach out to such people across the Capital.
At a formal launch of the initiative at Jindal Centre auditorium, it was stated that the move was aimed at facilitating enrolment of people with disabilities and was in line with the broader national vision of including all marginalised groups, such as people with disabilities, with Aadhaar.
Identity proof
Aadhaar is a 12-digit individual identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India on behalf of the Government of India. This number will serve as a proof of identity and address, anywhere in India.
Speaking at the occasion, Svayam founder Sminu Jindal said: “We hope this association with UIDAI along with the support of the Delhi Government would help disabled people to get enrolled in a friendly and accessible centre being organised in their areas.”
As part of the initiative, Svayam, UIDAI and the Delhi Government would organise special enrolment camps across Delhi. Through this initiative, Svayam will to reach out to the disabled residents, NGOs, DPOs, CSOs across the city and UIDAI would be organising the camps with support of the Delhi Government.
In the initial phase, the camps will be conducted at 15 locations within the city including places like Vasant Kunj, Rohini, Vikas Puri, Narela, Hauz Khas and Bhajanpura.
Effective monitoring
Speaking of Aadhaar’s special drives a UIDAI official said: “The UIDAI started enrolling residents in Delhi on October 2, 2010, and to date has enrolled almost 80 lakh residents for Aadhaar. For the UIDAI, the priority has always been enrolling those residents for Aadhaar who are vulnerable or do not have any form of identification.”
The unique identification project was initially conceived by the Planning Commission as an initiative that would provide identification for each resident across the country and would be used primarily as the basis for efficient delivery of welfare services. It would also act as a tool for effective monitoring of various programmes and schemes of the Government.
In the initial phase, the camps will be conducted at 15 locations