Govt emphasises Aadhaar seeding despite protest

SHILLONG, April 15: Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh on Tuesday stressed the need for Aadhaar seeding to access the benefits of the government’s health insurance programme as and when required. She batted for Aadhaar seeding after the state clocked a Megha Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS) coverage of almost 80%. “I was told at the last meeting with officers that the coverage is nearing 80%. This is big, but not everybody is linked to Aadhaar. The problem arises when they fall ill,” she said.
Lyngdoh said patients without Aadhaar-linked MHIS cards end up spending a lot during medical emergencies, often putting their families under financial strain.
Highlighting the risks of remaining unlinked, she said: “A citizen does not have much choice when sickness strikes. We are requesting those who want to benefit from the MHIS to seed their Aadhaar so that when they need government intervention, it is ready for them.”
She said all the line departments, block offices, and health institutions are working together to scale up Aadhaar seeding across the state. The health minister said every hospital and health institute will offer Aadhaar linkage services to make it easier for people to complete the process. “We can see a big rush already,” she added.
Lyngdoh clarified that the MHIS is optional.
“We cannot force our citizens to enrol, but the beneficiaries can testify to the kind of assistance the state government is providing through this scheme,” she said. She also said efforts are underway to integrate Aadhaar with other government schemes through awareness and publicity campaigns.
Certain sections of the population continue to resist Aadhaar seeding in Meghalaya, largely due to religious beliefs and privacy concerns. The opposition was evident when the Meghalaya unit of the Awaken India Movement recently staged a public rally in Shillong, protesting what they called “mandatory” Aadhaar linking for citizens to access government benefits.
The group argued that no individual should be forced to link their Aadhaar to receive essential services and financial assistance, especially in a diverse and sensitive state like Meghalaya.
Authorities remain hopeful that the gap in Aadhaar seeding will be addressed in the coming months through sustained awareness campaigns, improved access to linkage services at health centres and hospitals, and continuous dialogue with citizens.