Question : Aadhaar Centres

Will the Minister of ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Aadhaar card is mandatory for all;

(b) whether the Government has taken note of the fact that general public is reportedly facing problems due to non-availability of appropriate number of Aadhaar centres in their vicinity and if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor along with the steps taken by the Government in this regard;

(c) whether the Government propose to open Aadhaar centres in every panchayat across the country and if so, the details thereof; and

(d) the time by which the said centres are likely to be opened?

(a): No, Sir.

(b): There are over 41,000 Aadhaar Enrolment and Update Centres across the country functioning in designated Bank branches, Post Offices, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) offices, Common Service Centres (CSC) and Government premises. In addition to the above, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has opened 35 Aadhaar Seva Kendras with facility of online appointment and queue management system which remains open all seven days of the week. Further, UIDAI has provided online facility to update address through its website.

(c) and (d): As all State Governments are UIDAI’s registrars, they are encouraged to open more Aadhaar Kendras in Government premises including Panchayat Office.

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