In a significant move to enhance citizen services and digital governance, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated five new Aadhaar Seva Kendras on Thursday. These centres are strategically established to bring Aadhaar-related facilities closer to residents across the capital, marking a pivotal step in the Digital India Mission.
Expanding Access to Aadhaar Services
The newly opened Aadhaar Seva Kendras will provide a wide range of essential services to citizens. Residents can now conveniently access facilities such as Aadhaar updates, biometric corrections, address changes, and enrolment for children. This initiative aims to streamline processes and reduce the hassle associated with Aadhaar documentation.
Strengthening Digital Infrastructure
While inaugurating a centre in Azadpur, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta highlighted that approval had been granted for eight new centres, with five already operational. She emphasized that this development is crucial for strengthening Aadhaar services in Delhi and advancing the broader goals of the Digital India Mission. "This is a significant step towards promoting transparency, good governance, and citizen convenience," Gupta stated during the ceremony.
Aadhaar as a Tool for Empowerment and Efficiency
Gupta elaborated on the transformative impact of Aadhaar, describing it as a robust system that ensures dignity for the poor and protection of rights. She noted that over 143 crore citizens across India are linked with Aadhaar, including approximately 2.5 crore in Delhi alone. This extensive network helps ensure that government benefits reach the rightful beneficiaries without leakage or fraud.
The use of Aadhaar-based biometric and iris verification has been instrumental in curbing fake and duplicate beneficiaries. This technological intervention has led to the elimination of crores of ineligible recipients in schemes such as LPG subsidies, ration distribution, and social welfare programs nationwide. By preventing misuse, Aadhaar safeguards public resources and enhances the efficiency of welfare delivery.
Focus on Children and Educational Institutions
In addition to the new centres, Gupta highlighted ongoing efforts to integrate Aadhaar services within Delhi government schools. Aadhaar enrolment and biometric updates for children are now being carried out in these institutions, with nearly 2 lakh updates already completed. This initiative ensures that young citizens are seamlessly included in the digital ecosystem from an early age.
The inauguration of these Aadhaar Seva Kendras underscores Delhi's commitment to leveraging technology for public good. By improving access to critical services, the government aims to foster greater inclusivity and efficiency in governance, aligning with national objectives under the Digital India framework.
