Hyderabad: Karvy staff force Muslim women to remove head scarf for Aadhar biometrics

Karvy Data Management Services staff, who were recording biometrics for Aadhar cards in Hyderabad, reportedly forced Muslim women to remove their head scarves. One Karvy staffer was sacked and two others suspended for 180 days when UIDAI pulled up the company for violation of rights.

The Andhra Pradesh State Minority Commission (APSMC) was also made aware of the incident when reports appeared in local media. The APSMC sent notices to UIDAI asking them to submit an action taken report. Now, the APSMC has reportedly sent a notice to Karvy Data Management Services and UIDAI director-general in New Delhi. A hearing has been scheduled for September 11.
 
UIDAI guidelines states: “Use of accessories that cover any region of the face is not permitted. The head may remain covered but the full face contour should be visible. Further, accessories like turban/head gear are also allowed as religious/ traditional practices.”
 
According to a report in Deccan Chronicle, Karvy has now published ads in local newspapers in Urdu to make people aware of UIDAI guidelines. It also states, “A lady who wants to enrol can opt for a lady operator for the enrolment process”.