VISUALLY challenged being denied Aadhaar Card at Ferozepur
Author(s): Harish Monga DidoFerozepur, July 8, 2013: In 21st century, despite changed circumstances, the facilities with latest technology are available to the common man now but the visually challenged are still compelled to live in the...
Ferozepur, July 8, 2013: In 21st century, despite changed circumstances, the facilities with latest technology are available to the common man now but the visually challenged are still compelled to live in the old government system, said Anil Gupta, General Secretary, Welfare Association for Visually Challenged Employees, Punjab.
He further said, “The Aadhar Card is a 12 digit individual identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India on behalf of the Government of India. While the government is pressing for enrollment for Aadhaar cards, the visually challenged person are being denied for the same in the city on the plea that their eyes cannot be scanned in the system”.
Gupta said, this issue has cropped up while preparation of Aadhaar card is going in various colonies of Ferozepur when the blinds have been sent back blankly without getting their data, finger prints and scanning of eyes.
Giving this information, Anil Gupta, General Secretary, Welfare Association for Visually Challenged Employees, Punjab, said the launch of Unique Identity Number is a landmark decision in India’s history. It itself speaks of its utility as an all-purpose identity. The UID number is a proof of identity, in addition to documents such as PAN card, driving licence, etc. For the poor migrants who are harassed at every step, from police verification to distribution of rations, the card will be a means of empowerment.
He further said, the visually challenged persons are being denied of this right on the plea that their eye balls cannot be scanned in the system.
He appealed to the concerned authorities to review the system so that blind persons could also avail of this facility for identification purposes at various levels.
It is pertinent to mention here that the National Federation of the Blinds (NFB), Punjab North West Committee is already fighting for their demands for the implementation of reservation policy of one per cent for the posts in government institutions, universities, boards, corporations and private institutions and about a month back, a deputation of visually challenged organised a road march from Faridkot to Ferozepur to present a memorandum to the district administration and local political leaders.
Now by denying the right for enrollment for Aadhaar Card, it will be discrimination with the community.
Talking to this correspondent, Anil Gupta said, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) should immediately review the discrepancy and come out with the solution so that the blinds could also avail of this facility.
The matter was also taken up with the UIDAI at Delhi but the Chairman could not be contacted for the clarification on this point. However, the matter was brought to the notice of Madam Kumar Alok Deputy Director General, IT Technology and Procurement Division on phone, who confirmed to sort out the issue as there is a provision in the system and the staff may not be aware of the same.