Govt takes steps to ensure smooth issuance of Aadhar cards

New Delhi: The government has initiated various measures, including launch of e-Aadhaar portal and use of SMSes for communicating Aadhaar number, to address difficulties noticed during enrolment and delivery of the cards, Parliament was informed today. "Yes Sir. There have been few instances where difficulties were noticed during enrolment and delivery," Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Planning Rajeev Shukla said in a written reply in Rajya Sabha. He was replying to a query if Indian citizens are facing difficulties in procuring Aadhaar cards.

Shukla said a total of 29.05 crore Aadhaar numbers have been generated, out of which 24.48 crore Aadhaar letters have been dispatched as on March 8, 2013. He said various measures have been initiated for proper monitoring and issuance. "The Department of Posts is monitoring the delivery of Aadhaar letters and issued instructions to all the postal circles for their smooth and timely delivery," he said. Further he said, launching of e-Aadhaar portal and using the Short Messaging Service (SMS) for communicating the Aadhaar number have been initiated. UIDAI has also signed a memorandum of understanding with CSC e-Governance Services India Ltd for download and printing of Aadhaar letter by residents through Common Services Centres (CSC) set up by Department of Electronics and Information Technology, Shukla said. To a question on the reason for linking issuance of LPG cylinders and other subsidised schemes with Aadhaar cards when they have not been issued to all people in the country, he said: "Linking of Aadhaar number with various schemes will facilitate smooth transfer of subsidies in the bank accounts of the targeted beneficiaries." PTI