West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has raised concerns, alleging that the Centre has undertaken actions to "deactivate" Aadhaar cards belonging to residents of the state, purportedly hindering their access to vital social welfare benefits. This assertion has been countered by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), which asserted on Monday that there has been no cancellation of Aadhaar numbers, refuting Banerjee's claims specifically targeting individuals from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes in West Bengal.
The UIDAI's response follows Banerjee's written communication to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, condemning what she perceives as a severe violation of natural justice. Highlighting the pivotal role of Aadhaar as a ubiquitous digital identity facilitating access to an array of subsidies and services, the UIDAI underscored its ongoing efforts to maintain the accuracy of its database through regular updates of documents and Aadhaar information.
Addressing concerns regarding alleged Aadhaar deactivations, the UIDAI clarified that while intimations may be issued to Aadhaar number holders as part of routine database maintenance activities, no Aadhaar numbers have been invalidated. Furthermore, the UIDAI assured individuals of a platform to submit grievances, promising prompt resolution of any concerns raised.
Banerjee's accusations were initially voiced during a public distribution program in Birbhum district, where she asserted that the BJP-led central government's purported deactivation of Aadhaar cards in West Bengal was a strategic move ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Emphasizing her government's commitment to continue welfare initiatives irrespective of Aadhaar status, Banerjee vowed to safeguard beneficiaries' access to entitlements such as the 'Lakshmi Bhandar' scheme and subsidized ration distribution, particularly in the run-up to elections.
Specific instances of alleged Aadhaar deactivations were highlighted by Banerjee, citing examples from various districts across West Bengal, including Purba Bardhaman, Birbhum, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, and North Bengal, where residents purportedly faced Aadhaar disconnections.
