The Nandan Nilekani-led Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) may be rolling out Aadhaar cards at a fast pace and Union and state governments may be planning to make them mandatory to avail of government services. But lakhs of citizens who were eagerly awaiting their Aadhaar cards are now disappointed after receiving them, due to their poor quality.
Most card recipients feel that it is a shame for the UIDAI to roll out such cards even after the central government sanctioned several thousands crore rupees to the authority. They have been complaining that the quality of paper used for printing the cards is poor. They say that without lamination, it is impossible to use the cards as colour on the card runs and gets damaged even with a single fold. Many complained that the cards were damaged at the time of delivery itself.
Mr. Gautham R.S., an entrepreneur, said that the quality of Aadhaar card has disappointed all. “I waited for an entire day to to give my biometric and other details for the Aadhaar card. I felt proud at that time. But I am disappointed, now that I have received the card. I was shocked to see its quality. When the postman delivered the card, it was raining heavily and when I opened the cover, it was completely damaged. I don’t know where UIDAI spent all those thousands of crores of rupees,” he remarked.
A senior state government officer, who wished not to be identified, said, “My children say college ID cards are better than Aadhaar cards. When the enrolment began, we were told that UIDAI would issue tamper-proof cards. But the poor quality makes it easy to duplicate them. I feel except the Aadhaar number there is nothing in the card. Everyone feels letdown,” he said.