Full Aadhaar Registration

‘Aadhaar’ has emerged as a powerful tool in fostering efficiency, transparency, and inclusivity in various government schemes and services. The implementation of full Aadhaar registration in Jammu and Kashmir presents an opportunity to foster a progressive and inclusive society. The unique identification system can streamline governance, promote transparency in welfare distribution, enhance financial inclusion and improve access to essential services such as healthcare and education. Now, Chief Secretary Dr Arun Kumar Mehta has impressed upon all the concerned departments to ensure 100 percent Aadhaar registration of individuals by activating all the enrollment centres run by them and optimum utilization of available gadgets. He made the directions while chairing a meeting of the Unique Identification Implementation Committee (UIDIC) in Srinagar on Tuesday. It was reported that till date, 121,96,367 Aadhaar numbers have been generated, resulting in a saturation of over 90 percent population in the UT. A breakdown of Aadhaar saturation for different age groups  was also given out which include 0-5 years: 60.70%, 5-18 years: 89.2% and above 18 years: 92.4%. Despite the positive progress, concerns were raised about lagging behind the national average in the 0-5 years age group. In this regard, Mehta reaffirmed that Jammu and Kashmir aimed to achieve full Aadhaar registration, ensuring seamless services and enhancement in quality governance for its citizens. An action plan was devised during the meeting to address the challenges and expedite the Aadhaar registration process which includes preparation of  School-wise and class-wise lists of children requiring Mandatory Biometric Updates (MBUs); roster for the movement of MBU kits in the schools, besides roping in Health and ICDS for the enrollment of children in the age group of 0-5 years. The action plan needs to be implemented in letter and spirit as a comprehensive Aadhaar database facilitates the targeted delivery of welfare schemes to the most deserving individuals. By linking Aadhaar with various welfare programs, the government can ensure that benefits such as scholarships, pensions, and subsidies are disbursed directly to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts. This reduces leakages and delays, leading to enhanced efficiency and transparency in the distribution process. Full Aadhaar registration is a critical step in promoting financial inclusion in J&K. By linking Aadhaar with bank accounts, individuals gain access to a range of financial services, including credit facilities, insurance, and digital payment options. This inclusion empowers residents, especially those in remote areas, to become active participants in the formal economy, fostering economic growth and development in the region. Incorporating Aadhaar authentication in public service delivery can streamline various administrative processes. For instance, Aadhaar-based identification can simplify voter registration, property ownership records, and public distribution systems. This digitization of public services reduces paperwork, minimizes bureaucratic hurdles, and saves valuable time for both citizens and government officials. Full Aadhaar registration can enhance the efficiency of healthcare services. By linking Aadhaar with medical records, patients can access their health information easily, regardless of their location. Additionally, Aadhaar-based identification can facilitate targeted health interventions and lead to improved public health outcomes.