Special Aadhaar enrollment camp held

As a part of its social inclusion drive, Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) Regional Office, Chandigarh on Wednesday organised a special Aadhaar enrolment camp at AASHREYA — Home for Mentally challenged.  Aashreya Home is working under the aegis of Regional Institute of Mentally Handicapped (RIMH).

Aashreya houses 31 orphans, destitute or abandoned mentally challenged residents age from 9 years onwards. Officials said since these residents are persons with special needs, it is difficult for them to access the regular Aadhaar enrolment centres, hence, this special enrolment camp was organised within the campus of Aashreya. 

As these inmates do not have any permanent address or identity proof, Aadhaar will enable them to get their identity and address proof. Aadhaar in future will also help them in opening their bank accounts, obtaining benefits like scholarships, social pensions etc.All residents at Aashreya were enrolled for Aadhaar in this special camp.

Officials said more than 100 Aadhaar enrolment camps have been organised in the past for marginalised residents by Regional Office Chandigarh, as a part of Social Inclusion program of UIDAI. These include enrolment camps in orphanages, Old Age Homes, leprosy Areas, Blind Homes, Child Care Institutions etc.

In Chandigarh Aadhaar generation has already crossed 95 per cent. Chandigarh is one of the States/UTs which have declared Aadhaar as a valid ‘Proof of Address’ and ‘Proof of Identity’.