Beeline for Aadhar cards in Udupi too

The queue before the head post office in Udupi for Aadhaar cards seems to be stretching lengthier day by day as only 50 cards are processed  per day.

The public who come from distant areas have to face inconveniences, as they have to stand in queues for hours together. They line up since wee hours until late evening. The post office opens at 9 am. However, there is no guarantee that their applications will be processed. The distraught people fought with each other before post office here on Tuesday.

Govind Bhandari from Udupi said that the system has created mess and people have to struggle to get the card. “Most of us come early in the morning and have to wait relentlessly to get the card. Still we do not get the application. There is no guarantee that we will be able to get the card done,” he added.

Abraham from Bailur, Korangrapadi told that the service should be made available in all the post offices.

“We come from distant places. Sometimes we come from abroad taking leave for the purpose. It is a total jumble and is similar to the process of getting the ration card,” he adds.

Aparna from Kannarpadi tells that if the snail-pace process continues, then the entire population in the district should wait for two to three years to get the card. It is only 50 cards per day that is being processed. There is only one counter in Udupi taluk and only one computer. How can we expect speediness in the work,” she questions.

On the other hand, S Mallik from Barkur who has come down from abroad questions why the government can’t arrange for more counters and computers.

At least they should be processing around 150 to 200 cards per day. Sometimes, we should go back and come on the next day. He also demanded that the deputy commissioner should intervene and make some alternative arrangements.

The official who is processing the Aadhaar card in the post office said that he is just carrying out the work with the facilities that are offered by the government. There is only one computer and one counter, he added.

Deputy Commissioner Dr M T Reju told Deccan Herald that Aadhaar card is not made mandatory to procure any benefits. As only 50 cards are processed per day, only those who come first can get the card on first come first serve basis. There are no confusions. He added that in Udupi, the district administration is not taking any initiative. In Udupi district, the people will be issued NPR (National Population Register) card which will be merged with Aadhaar card. Home department gives the NPR card, he added.