Ladakh Identity Finally Reflected in Aadhaar Records After Six-Year Wait
In a significant administrative development, the Aadhaar records of Ladakh residents have been updated to correctly reflect 'Ladakh' in the 'State' field, replacing the outdated 'Jammu & Kashmir' designation. This change comes six years after the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories in 2019.
Long-Standing Inconvenience Addressed
According to officials, the incorrect representation in Aadhaar records had been causing considerable inconvenience to the people of Ladakh. Residents faced difficulties using Aadhaar as a valid document for identity and address verification while availing various government and private services. Additionally, issues arose with Aadhaar-linked records and progress reports, creating procedural hurdles in daily life.
Intervention and Resolution Process
The long-pending public demand was addressed after the intervention of Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, who directed the UT administration to resolve the issue at the earliest. Subsequently, the administration took up the matter with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).
To implement the correction efficiently, the UT administration, in coordination with UIDAI, devised a centralized mechanism:
- Instead of requiring each resident to individually visit Aadhaar centres for correction, the records were updated based on PIN codes specific to Ladakh.
- These PIN codes were verified in coordination with the Department of Posts and shared with UIDAI for accurate data processing.
- The long-awaited correction has now been successfully implemented across the system.
Benefits for Residents
Officials confirmed that residents can now easily download their updated e-Aadhaar from the UIDAI portal. Those wishing to obtain a physical PVC Aadhaar card may order it online by paying a nominal fee, streamlining access to official documentation.
In a statement, Lieutenant Governor Saxena emphasized the importance of this development, stating it would greatly benefit residents by removing procedural hurdles and enabling seamless access to services. "Ensuring that the identity of Ladakh is accurately reflected in official records is not only an administrative necessity, but also a matter of the identity and convenience for our people," he said.
This correction marks a crucial step in recognizing Ladakh's distinct identity within India's administrative framework, following its establishment as a separate Union Territory.
