UIDAI Announces Major Expansion of Aadhaar Services in West Bengal
In a significant move to enhance public service delivery, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is set to expand Aadhaar services across West Bengal. This announcement was made by Bhuvnesh Kumar, the chief executive officer of UIDAI, following his inspection of the Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK) in Asansol on Sunday.
Phased Expansion to Improve Accessibility
Previously, West Bengal had eight UIDAI Aadhaar Seva Kendras operational in eight districts, equipped with 72 Aadhaar enrolment kits (AEKs). Under the new expansion plan, these facilities will be increased to 22 Seva Kendras spread across 21 districts in a phased manner. This upgrade will involve a total of 181 AEKs, significantly boosting the state's capacity for Aadhaar-related services.
The expansion aims to make Aadhaar services more accessible to residents, ensuring they can avail enrolment and update facilities closer to their place of residence. This initiative is expected to strengthen the overall service delivery mechanism, reducing travel time and improving convenience for citizens across the region.
CEO Reviews Operational Efficiency at Asansol Centre
During his visit, Bhuvnesh Kumar conducted a thorough inspection of the Asansol Aadhaar Seva Kendra to assess operational efficiency and service quality. The centre, which is directly operated by UIDAI and managed by Protean eGov Technologies Ltd, offers comprehensive services including enrolment, biometric updates for children, and modifications to demographic and contact details.
Kumar monitored various processes at the centre, paying close attention to enrolment procedures and updates. He engaged with operators to discuss queue management, infrastructure improvements, and adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs). His review focused on ensuring smooth and efficient service delivery to the public.
Gathering Feedback and Ensuring Transparency
In addition to operational checks, Kumar interacted with residents at the Seva Kendra to gather firsthand feedback on the transparency and timeliness of services. He emphasized the importance of addressing public grievances promptly and directed officials to implement measures for swift redressal. This customer-centric approach is part of UIDAI's broader strategy to enhance user experience and trust in Aadhaar services.
The expansion and review efforts underscore UIDAI's commitment to leveraging technology for better governance. By increasing the number of Seva Kendras and AEKs, the authority aims to streamline Aadhaar services, making them more efficient and user-friendly for the residents of West Bengal.
