GUWAHATI: The process of issuing Aadhar Card will begin in Assam from December 1 this year. Assam has been one of the two states in the country, other being Jammu and Kashmir, where the process is yet to be started.
An official source informed that data collection process for Aadhar Card by Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) would roll out in the state from December1 next whereby biometric and demographic data will be collected of the people in the state.
The whole process would be completed within one year. The Chief Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal has instructed the state’s General Administration Department (GAD) to engage local vendors in the data collection for Aadhar as the process involving Rs 160 crore would provide an opportunity for ration of employment in providing Aadhar Card to 3.18 crore people of the state.
Sonowal also remarked that Aadhar Card would benefit those students going to study outside the state where Aadhar is mandatory for admission into educational institutes and asked GAD to ensure completion of the process within one year. He also asked the department to undertake massive awareness campaigns through street plays and short films for making the people aware about the importance of Aadhar Card in the state.
Sonowal on Friday also directed Secretariat Administration Department (SAD) for identifying land on a priority basis for construction of the mini-secretariat at Barak Valley which would generate a sense of belonging in the people of the Valley and dispel the feelings of alienation among the people there from the Brahmaputra Valley.
Regarding improvement of Assam Bhawans at various places, he directed the SAD to train up the officials and staffs of the Assam Bhawans to make them deliver people friendly services. He also said that Assam Bhawans must deliver services round-the-clock to sick patients travelling from the state and they must liaise with the local hospitals for smooth completion of procedures for availing medical facilities.
He also asked the department to provide food at reasonable cost to people staying at the Bhawans and he directed for taking action for construction of Namghars at all Assam Bhawan premises in the country in line with Kolkata Assam Bhawan. The Chief Minister was apprised that the construction of a four-storey Assam Bhawan at Vellore, Tamilnadu, has been completed which can accommodate sick patients from the state going for treatment there.
Sonowal on Friday reviewed the status of the Fast Track Courts to be set up at Tinsukia, Hojai and Silchar and directed the Judicial Department to take action for setting up Judicial Courts at the newly formed districts of the state. He also asked the department to suggest ways for upgrading the course curriculum of Law Colleges in the state to make them at par with the best law colleges in the country.