Aadhaar Biometrics Crack Two-Month Mystery, Reunite Pregnant Woman with Family
In a heartening turn of events in Ahmedabad, an initiative to verify a woman's Aadhaar card for a Mamta card application unlocked a secret that had baffled officials from the women and child development department for over two months. The case involved a pregnant woman with speech and hearing impairments, coupled with mental illness, whose identity remained elusive despite extensive efforts.
Initial Discovery and Challenges
The woman was first discovered at the Ahmedabad railway station in Kalupur and was subsequently placed at the Sakhi One Stop Centre. Jigar Jasani, a women and child development official in Ahmedabad, detailed the initial struggles. "Our team attempted to extract information about her family and contacts, but she was unable to respond verbally. We encouraged her to write, but her handwriting proved illegible," he explained.
Following this, she was taken to the Government Hospital for Mental Health and later transferred to an observation home in Odhav. A medical examination revealed she was approximately three months pregnant at the time of her discovery, adding urgency to the situation.
Biometric Breakthrough
To facilitate her access to benefits under the Mamta scheme, such as vaccinations and nutritional supplements, officials arranged for her Aadhaar card creation. During the biometric recording process at the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) center, a surprising revelation occurred. Her existing records appeared on-screen, identifying her as a resident of Madhya Pradesh.
This biometric match provided the crucial breakthrough needed to trace her family. Utilizing the details from her Aadhaar record, officials successfully contacted her relatives, marking a significant milestone in the two-month search.
Emotional Reunion and Resolution
The reunion was both swift and emotional. "During a video call, she immediately recognized her mother, creating a deeply moving moment. From having no hope of locating her family, we progressed significantly to reunite her with her loved ones," shared an official involved in the case.
Further investigation uncovered that the woman was married and had left her home after a domestic dispute, intending to visit her mother in Kutch. However, she disembarked in Ahmedabad and subsequently lost memory of her details, leading to her prolonged separation.
This incident underscores the vital role of Aadhaar's biometric system in resolving complex identity cases, especially for vulnerable individuals with disabilities. It highlights the dedication of government officials in ensuring welfare access and family reunification, demonstrating how technology can bridge gaps in human connectivity and care.
