Over 49,000 Aadhaar operators blocked since UIDAI's inception
What's the story
The UIDAI has said that since its inception, it has blacklisted over 49,000 Aadhaar enrolment operators for fraudulent practices like overcharging. Penalties ranging from Rs. 10,000-50,000 have also been levied for more than 6,560 overcharging incidents. The UIDAI has urged people to step up with such complaints and has assured it would take action against those violating norms.
Complaints
How do operators cheat citizens?
Enrolment of Aadhaar is free, but operators manage to cheat citizens nevertheless. Delhi's Sarthak Kalucha claimed he was asked for Rs. 200 as enrolment fee at a Kalkaji centre. The owner had been charging people since July. Meanwhile, Abhinav Bhasin was charged Rs. 200 for getting a token immediately. He was made to sign a declaration that he got the Aadhaar card for free.
Action
The UIDAI has taken action even against fraudulent apps
By February, the UIDAI had ordered closure of 12 websites and 12 mobile applications. It had also directed the closure of 26 "illegal" websites and applications over unauthorized Aadhaar-related services. Till April, 209 operators had been blacklisted for flouting norms. Violations included issuing Aadhaar numbers to people outside their jurisdiction or without verification, allowing private agencies to enroll citizens, or even selling fake cards.
Crackdown
UIDAI has asked all centres to shift to government-owned premises
The UIDAI has issued more instructions to check fraud. In June, all enrolment had been asked to shift to government-owned premises so there is proper supervision of those centres. The deadline was August end, but has been extended to September 30. According to the body, "If any operator/supervisor is found involved in corrupt practices, they are blacklisted from the system for five years."