In a bid to ensure that every child in Tripura is registered under the Aadhaar system, the state government has launched an extensive Aadhaar enrolment drive for children between the ages of 0 to 5. With the initiative targeting around 2.87 lakh children in this age group, the drive aims to bridge the gap in Aadhaar coverage and provide identity verification to younger citizens. As of now, the drive has successfully enrolled approximately 34% of the target population, marking a significant step towards achieving full coverage.
Tripura has been one of the states where Aadhaar registration has lagged in certain age groups, particularly for children under the age of 5. The newly launched enrolment drive is a proactive measure to address this issue and make sure that children have a unique identification number as part of the national database. Aadhaar not only serves as proof of identity but also acts as a crucial document for accessing government services and welfare schemes, making this initiative an essential part of the state’s efforts to improve social security systems.
The enrolment process, which began earlier this month, involves setting up special camps and dedicated centres in schools, community halls, and local government offices across Tripura. Parents and guardians are encouraged to bring their children to these centres for the biometric registration process, which includes taking a photograph, fingerprints, and iris scans. While the biometric details of children under the age of 5 are not mandatory for Aadhaar registration, a photograph is required to create a digital identity.
State officials have expressed confidence that with continued outreach and awareness programs, the coverage will increase in the coming months. The government has partnered with local health and education departments to ensure that the enrolment drive reaches all corners of the state, including remote villages. Additionally, mobile enrolment teams are being deployed to make the process more accessible to families living in hard-to-reach areas.
The drive comes as part of a larger push by the central government to provide every child with an Aadhaar card, enabling better access to social welfare programs. Aadhaar has become a vital tool in the Indian government’s efforts to streamline and digitalize public distribution systems, healthcare services, and other welfare initiatives. By extending this coverage to young children, the government aims to ensure that all citizens, regardless of age, are accounted for in the nation’s social security framework.
According to Tripura’s Chief Secretary, the Aadhaar enrolment process for children has been smooth thus far, with no significant technical glitches or delays. He mentioned that the government was working closely with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to ensure that the registration process meets all standards and is completed within the stipulated timeline. The authorities have also taken steps to ensure that parents and guardians are well-informed about the importance of Aadhaar registration for their children and how it will benefit them in the future.
The enrolment process is being conducted in phases, with the initial focus on urban areas and schools. Plans are underway to expand the drive into rural regions, particularly in areas that have seen less participation so far. Officials are confident that as awareness grows and more parents see the advantages of having an Aadhaar number for their children, the enrolment rate will rise significantly.
The state government has also taken steps to ensure that the process is as convenient as possible for parents. Enrolment camps have been set up at convenient locations, and extended hours of operation are offered to accommodate working parents. In some cases, the government is even providing assistance to families who face difficulties in reaching enrolment centres due to logistical constraints.
Despite the initial success of the drive, there is still much work to be done to reach the remaining 66% of the target population. The government has set an ambitious goal to achieve full coverage in the next few months, with continuous monitoring and feedback mechanisms in place to track progress. Local community leaders have been enlisted to help spread the word and encourage more families to participate in the Aadhaar enrolment process.
With the continued efforts of the state government, Tripura aims to ensure that every child is enrolled in the Aadhaar system and has access to the benefits that come with it. The drive is a significant step forward in Tripura’s journey toward digital inclusion, making sure that no one is left behind in the evolving social and economic landscape of India.
