[1]In a significant move, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) on Saturday agreed, in principle, to link four schemes of the Karnataka government to Aadhaar cards to be issued in 21 districts from October this year. After an in-camera meeting between UIDAI chairman Nandan Nilekani and Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar at ‘Krishna’, the CM’s home office here on Saturday, source disclosed that Mr Nilekani was open to Mr Shettar’s suggestion to make Aadhaar card an eligilibility criterion for issuing ration cards, pension schemes, scholarship schemes and housing schemes.
“The Aadhaar card will reduce duplication and optimise distribution of benefits to targeted beneficiaries and minimize scope for fraud”, the source explained. The UIDAI will launch its phase-II operation of issuance of Aadhaar cards from October in 21 districts in the state. The source also pointed out that Mr Nilekeni was not happy with the progress in distribution of Aadhaar cards in Dharwad district which is one of the three prominent districts identified for the launch of pilot project in the state. “Mr Nilekeni was, however, happy with enrolments in Mysore and Tumkur districts, which have achieved 95 and 93 per cent of enrolments, respectively” the source said.
As many as 1.41 crore people were covered under the Aadhaar enrolment programme in the state and remaining will be covered in a phased manner. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Mr Shettar assured that the State will extend full co-operation to the Aadhaar programme. “Be it in the form of financial support or in any other form, the state government will provide all help to the UIDAI”, he noted.
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