Meghalaya Intensifies Efforts to Enrol 6 Lakh Residents in Aadhaar Database
The Meghalaya government is expediting its efforts to enrol approximately 6 lakh residents who are yet to register for Aadhaar, the unique identification system essential for accessing various government welfare and development schemes. This initiative aims to ensure that all eligible individuals are included in the Aadhaar database, facilitating their participation in state and central government programs.
**Current Enrolment Status**
As of February this year, the state has successfully enrolled around 28 lakh residents. However, enrolment rates vary across districts. East Khasi Hills and West Garo Hills districts have achieved enrolment rates of 75% and 83%, respectively, indicating that over 3.27 lakh individuals in these areas remain unenrolled. Specifically, East Khasi Hills has more than 2.31 lakh residents yet to register, while West Garo Hills has approximately 96,400 individuals pending enrolment.
**Challenges and Outreach Efforts**
Officials attribute the slow enrolment in certain areas to a lack of awareness and apathy among residents regarding the importance of Aadhaar registration. To address this, the Meghalaya government is conducting extensive outreach campaigns to educate the public about the benefits of Aadhaar and the necessity of registration. These campaigns include information dissemination through local media, community meetings, and collaboration with local leaders to encourage participation.
**Recognition for Aadhaar Initiatives**
In recognition of its efforts, the Meghalaya government recently received two awards for its exemplary performance in Aadhaar-related initiatives. The state was honored for its effective implementation of mandatory biometric updates for children and for the verification of adult Aadhaar enrolment. These accolades underscore the government’s commitment to ensuring comprehensive Aadhaar coverage and enhancing the delivery of public services.
**Looking Ahead**
The Meghalaya government remains committed to achieving universal Aadhaar enrolment across the state. By continuing its outreach efforts and addressing barriers to registration, the government aims to include all residents in the Aadhaar system, thereby improving access to essential services and promoting inclusive development.
For residents who have not yet enrolled, the government urges them to visit the nearest Aadhaar enrolment center or contact local authorities for assistance. Ensuring that every individual is registered will contribute to the state’s progress and the well-being of its citizens.
