Inefficient postal system derails Aadhaar distribution

The Centre’s ambitious Aadhaar scheme is getting derailed.

Courtesy: The inefficient delivery system of the postal department.
Despite getting SMSes and emails informing that their cards have been despatched, several Navi Mumbaikars haven’t received them. “I received an SMS that my Aadhaar card has been generated and will be despatched soon. This was in mid-July, and till date I am waiting for it. I visited the local post office, but they don’t have any record of my Aadhaar card,” said Sanjay Shirke, a resident of Koparkhairane.

He added, “Officials told me that I can download the email stating my details and it can be used as a proof till I receive the card. I hope to receive the Aadhaar card soon.”

Ghansoli resident Saurabh Surywanshi, too, echoed similar sentiments. “Four members of my family had enrolled — my wife and two daughters. But only my wife’s card has been delivered; we are still waiting. I have not received any SMS or email informing that my card has been generated. When I went in for re-enrolment, a officer present there told me that I should wait for six months before re-enrolling.” He added, “I was asked to enquire with the post office, but they do not have record of my Aadhaar card.”

Several residents have been blaming the delay on the postal delivery system. “The government should have despatched this important document though a courier service. The postmen are least interested in delivering the document. They wait for a bunch of Aadhaar cards to accumulate and then deliver. Every one is aware about the delay caused by posts in delivering normal letters. I feel the government should either send this document by speed post or courier,” Ramakant Pingle, a resident of Nerul.

Vashi resident, Bharat Samant, who took on Aadhaar officials and got the enrolment done at home, said, “I, too, have downloaded the card from the site and waiting for the original document.

Recently, there were reports of postman handing over Aadhaar cards to some security person in housing society. The postman has to hand deliver it to the concerned family.”

Though no senior postal department official was available for comment, a junior level official blamed it on shortage of staff to meet the demand of delivering the card.