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The Northern region, comprising Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Himachal Pradesh, has crossed over 90 per cent of the Aadhaar enrolment on November 12.
Out of the total population of 60.9 million in the region, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has enrolled 56.4 million people, which is 92.6 per cent. Leading the way if Chandigarh with 101.6 per cent enrolment, followed by Himachal Pradesh (97.9 per cent), Punjab (97.0 per cent) and Haryana (85.9 per cent). The population figure in the above data is according to the census 2011 whereas the Aadhaar enrolment figure is the latest made available by the UIDAI. The number of people who have enrolled in Chandigarh is more than the population of the city in 2011.
The matter assumes significance as the prime minister's office (PMO) has identified various schemes, such as MGNREGA, scholarships, old age pension and public distribution system, to be linked with Aadhaar. Also, the target has been set by PMO for 100 per cent Aadhaar seeding with banks in the schemes by the end of December 2014.
The data was shared by UIDAI officials during the recently held State Level Bankers Committee meet in Chandigarh. Aadhaar generation in the region is 85.4 per cent, which means 52 million people have been issued Aadhaar number. In Himchal Pradesh, the Aadhaar generation is 95 per cent, followed by Chandigarh (91.1 per cent), Punjab (89.3 per cent) and Haryana (78.4 per cent).
With this, over 52 million Aadhaar number holders of the region can now avail of many services with their Aadhaars, as the Reserve Bank of India has recognised it as valid KYC (know your customer) to open a bank account. They can also obtain a SIM card, a PAN card and an LPG connection, among others.
Banking officials said in the recent months, the Centre has provided fresh impetus to UIDAI by linking Aadhaar to various schemes and initiatives, including the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), MGNREGA, Pensions, post-matric scholarships.
