Residents of Chandigarh have received a significant boost to their civic amenities with the inauguration of a new Aadhaar service facility. A dedicated Aadhaar Seva Centre has commenced operations in the heart of the city's commercial hub, Sector 17. This development promises to streamline the process of obtaining and updating the crucial 12-digit unique identity number for thousands of citizens.
Location and Operational Details of the New Centre
The new centre is strategically located at the Booth No. 48, near the State Bank of India (SBI) branch in Sector 17-D. It has been established to function as a full-service kendra under the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). The facility is equipped to handle a wide array of Aadhaar-related services, making it a one-stop solution for residents.
For public convenience, the centre will operate six days a week, from Monday to Saturday. The working hours are set from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, providing ample time for individuals to visit after their work hours or during the day. It is important to note that the centre will remain closed on all gazetted holidays declared by the central government.
Services Offered at the Sector 17 Aadhaar Kendra
The primary objective of this new setup is to decongest existing centres and offer efficient, timely services. The kendra is authorised to provide all essential Aadhaar services, which include:
- New Aadhaar Enrollment: For residents, including children, who are yet to get their Aadhaar number.
- Biometric Updates: For updating fingerprints, iris scan, or photograph.
- Demographic Updates: For correcting or changing details like name, address, date of birth, and gender.
- Mobile Number and Email Updates: A critical service for receiving OTPs and linking Aadhaar with other services.
- Downloading e-Aadhaar: Providing a digitally signed copy of the Aadhaar card.
The establishment of this centre is a direct response to the growing demand for Aadhaar services in the city. With Aadhaar becoming mandatory for an increasing number of government subsidies, bank accounts, and utility connections, easy access to update and correction facilities is paramount.
Benefits and Impact on Chandigarh Residents
The opening of this centre in Sector 17, a central and well-connected location, is expected to bring substantial relief to people. Previously, residents often had to travel to other parts of the city or face long queues at limited centres. This new facility will distribute the service load and significantly reduce waiting times.
Officials emphasise that the centre will follow all standard UIDAI protocols for security and data privacy. Residents are advised to carry original supporting documents for any update or correction work. For new enrollments, proof of identity and proof of address documents are mandatory.
This initiative underscores the administration's focus on improving digital infrastructure and citizen-centric services. By bringing essential documentation services closer to the people, it enhances the ease of living and supports Chandigarh's vision of being a smart and accessible city. The move is widely welcomed by local residents and business communities in Sector 17 and surrounding areas, who now have a reliable and official point for all their Aadhaar needs.
