SHILLONG: Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said though Aadhaar is not compulsory in Meghalaya as per the notification of the Home Ministry sent to the state government on September 5 this year but it becomes mandatory for beneficiaries to avail themselves of central schemes.
“We are confused over the matter as on one hand the Centre is saying that Aadhaar is not mandatory and on the other, ministries are insisting on Aadhaar for schemes,” the chief minister said when the issue figured in the Assembly during the question hour on Thursday after Witting Mawsor (HSPDP) and Paul Lyngdoh (UDP) tabled the question on the matter.
To a further supplementary question by Mawsor, the chief minister said, “I will not enroll, you can also do so.”
Answering questions raised by Ardent Basaiawmoit (HSPDP) and John Leslee Sangma (Independent), the chief minister said Aadhaar is not mandatory but voluntary.
“I have taken up the matter with the Centre and also with my counterpart in Assam and highlighted the peculiar situation of illegal immigrants and the absence of National Population Register,” the chief minister said.
After Mawsor narrated the plight of people since banks and other agencies are pressing for Aadhaar, Sangma said he would ask the chief secretary to convene a meeting with banks.
Prestone Tynsong (Congress) urged the government to stall the process of Aadhaar enrolment.
However, Sangma said the current enrolment cannot be stopped since it will create problems as students have to depend on Aadhaar for availing of scholarships and also for examinations.
Employee’s Aadhaar fear
UDP’s Metbah Lyngdoh brought to the notice of the House that a government employee took leave for two months following the pressure from his superior to enroll for Aadhaar.
“However, when he came back to join the office, his superior again insisted for Aadhaar which compelled him to take leave for one more month,” Lyngdoh said.
In reply, the chief minister asked the legislator to share the specific information about the matter so that he can address the issue.
