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Unique identification numbers or Aadhaar cards have already been issued to nearly 30 per cent the population of West Bengal while the enrolment ratio stands at 40 per cent. West Bengal, as per the 2011 Census, has a population of 9.13 crore.
According to P. K. Upadhyay, Assistant Director-General, Ranchi Region, Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), till date Aadhaar numbers have been generated for 2.53 crore people (approximately 28 per cent) while a total of 3.76 crore people so far have been enrolled.
“So far, Howrah and Cooch Behar districts have witnessed highest Aadhaar number roll outs. Currently, 70,000-80,000 people are being enrolled for UIDAI card every day in the State,” Upadhyay told reporters here on Thursday. He was speaking on the sidelines of a seminar on financial inclusion organised by Dun & Bradstreet.
While more than 90 per cent of the people in Howrah and Cooch Behar districts enrolled for Aadhaar, both the districts witnessed over 70 per cent Aadhaar number generation.
Providing LPG cylinders based on Aadhaar numbers under the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme will begin in three districts of the State – Kolkata, Howrah and Cooch Behar – from November 1.
Currently, customers get up to 9 subsidised cylinders from state-owned oil marketers. Under DBT, they will get cylinders at market price. The subsidy gets transferred in their bank accounts.
According to Upadhyay, the biggest challenge in the State would be to ensure a larger enrolment for Aadhaar cards here. High level meetings with stake-holders are expected to begin soon in this regard.
Other services
According to Upadhyay, UIDAI is planning to roll out other services through the Aadhaar-enabled payment system in the State by middle of next year .
Services such as pension collection, payments for workers under the rural jobs scheme can be had through a micro-ATM .
Besides, a special help desk would be set up by National Population Register to resolve problems during enrolment, the UIDAI official said.
ayan.pramanik@thehindu.co.in
abhishek.l@thehindu.co.in
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