KSU opposed to Aadhaar enrolment in Ri Bhoi

NONGPOH: The Khasi Students’ Union North Khasi Hills District said on Tuesday that implementation of Aadhaar and National Population Registration (NPR) in Ri Bhoi district would have an adverse effect on the minority tribes of Khasi and Jaintia and would allow illegal immigrants to register their names.
KSU district President Ferdynald Kharkamni told The Shillong Times that the Union had in recent years voiced their concerns over implementation of Aadhaar Card and NPR in the district and had also submitted a memorandum to the then Deputy Commissioner Pooja Pandey.
Kharkamni said the then Addl. Deputy Commissioner P.S Kharkongor had put the enrolment process on hold after talks with various stakeholders, including NGOs and church leaders.
The KSU leader also denounced the comments of H.K Thabah, BDO, Jirang C&RD Block, that Aadhaar registration is necessary for residents to avail themselves of the benefits under government schemes.
The Supreme Court in its order dated October 15, 2015, had   made it clear that implementation of Aadhaar is voluntary and that it cannot be made mandatory.
“He attends office only once or twice a week and has not even performed his duties well, especially in implementing schemes in Jirang,” said Kharkamni, adding that the district administration should respect Kharkongor’s decision to put the process on hold.
KSU demanded that the Aadhaar/NPR cell at the DC’s office should be closed immediately.