Aadhaar Fallout: Mamata Banerjee introduces special IDs for minorities in WB; UIDAI rules out any cancellation

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced a significant step in response to the reported mass deactivation of Aadhaar cards in the State. Concerns have arisen over the alleged targeted cancellation of Aadhaar cards, particularly affecting minority communities by the Union Government. In a proactive move, Banerjee unveiled plans to issue an alternate identification card for individuals whose Aadhaar cards have been deactivated.

Banerjee’s announcement comes in the wake of widespread reports of Aadhaar card cancellations in West Bengal. The state government asserted that the Union Government has intentionally targeted certain demographic groups, including SC, ST, and OBC communities, through these deactivations. According to Banerjee, the cancellations have had a disproportionate impact on minority populations across the state.

To address the grievances arising from the Aadhaar card deactivations, Banerjee revealed plans to establish a Grievance Portal dedicated to handling complaints related to deactivated cards. This portal aims to streamline the process for individuals seeking reinstatement of their Aadhaar cards or obtaining the newly proposed alternate identification.

The Chief Minister’s decision to introduce a separate identification card for affected individuals underscores her administration’s commitment to protecting the rights of minority communities in West Bengal. Banerjee has accused the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) of arbitrarily deactivating Aadhaar cards without consulting the state government, raising concerns about fairness and transparency in the process.

Banerjee’s administration intends to ensure that individuals who have faced Aadhaar card deactivation are not left without a valid form of identification. The alternate ID cards are expected to serve as a temporary solution until the issues surrounding Aadhaar card cancellations are resolved.

In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Banerjee has demanded answers regarding the rationale behind the widespread deactivation of Aadhaar cards in West Bengal. She has called for transparency and accountability in the process, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation into the matter.

The introduction of the alternate ID cards reflects Banerjee’s proactive approach to addressing the challenges faced by minority communities in the state. By taking decisive action, the West Bengal government aims to safeguard the rights and interests of all its citizens, particularly those who have been adversely affected by the Aadhaar card deactivation issue.

UIDAI Clarifies No Aadhaar Numbers Cancelled

In a recent announcement, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) clarified that no Aadhaar numbers have been cancelled. The authority emphasised the importance of keeping the Aadhaar database updated and highlighted that intimations are regularly issued to Aadhaar number holders for this purpose.

Aadhaar, being the most widely used digital identity, plays a crucial role in accessing various subsidies, benefits, and services. UIDAI, through its website, stated that to ensure the accuracy of the Aadhaar database, an ongoing exercise has been initiated for the update of documents and Aadhaar information.

“In the course of activities undertaken to keep the Aadhaar database updated, intimations are issued from time to time to Aadhaar number holders. In this connection, it is clarified that no Aadhaar number has been cancelled,” stated UIDAI.

The authority encouraged Aadhaar holders to submit any grievances they may have related to the updating process. UIDAI assured that all grievances would be duly addressed. Aadhaar holders can submit their feedback through the official UIDAI website at the following link: https://uidai.gov.in/en/contact-support/feedback.html.

The statement from UIDAI aims to dispel any concerns among the public regarding the status of their Aadhaar numbers and reinforces the ongoing efforts to maintain the accuracy and relevance of the Aadhaar database.