Verification and EKYC of Ration and Aadhar Cards: Challenges for Rural Society in Jammu and Kashmir

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

SHAFQAT SHEIKH

CHENAB VALLEY FEBRUARY 04:

A ration card is an indispensable document for rural populations, guaranteeing the supply of essential nutritional commodities and serving as a prerequisite for availing government schemes. Nevertheless, the Electronic Know Your Consumer (EKYC) has created difficulties for residents of various rural areas in Jammu and Kashmir, especially the erstwhile Doda district of the Chenab region. What is the final objective of EKYC? The response is that KYC is a process that verifies and updates an individual’s privacy and personal information on digital platforms, ensuring accuracy and validation.

The government has associated this process with the ration card to promote transparency and accountability in the public sector. Nonetheless, the process is proving to be particularly onerous for rural populations. The fundamental issue arises from limited internet accessibility in most rural areas of the Chenab region. As a result, individuals often encounter difficulties in completing EKYC and Aadhar updates due to slow internet speeds or unavailability.

Moreover, name discrepancies on Aadhaar cards and other documents lead to rejected EKYC applications. Government offices lack adequate KYC facilities, compelling villagers to travel to distant cities, where they face lengthy queues and unnecessary complications. Many individuals are unfamiliar with the system and face difficulty navigating and completing the process. However, no corrective action has been taken thus far.

A 30-year-old woman, Aisha Begum described her situation, stating that her husband’s work-related absence from the station has necessitated updates to her Aadhar card and other documents. She expressed concerns about her family’s financial vulnerability and reliance on government-issued rations. She mentioned rumors that individuals without valid documents would no longer receive rations, prompting her to visit the block market office for six consecutive days, albeit without success. Her situation is precarious, and she struggles to afford necessities like food.

Set up a training camp to enhance work efficiency. Participants should be trained on the co-digital system to enable self-sufficient process completion. Strengthen and increase computer infrastructure in Panchayat, Tehsil, Block, and district Government offices to expedite process completion. In addition to Aadhaar, other identity documents should be acknowledged to alleviate public issues.

The Bunjwah area of Kishtwar District with a vast population does not have any Aadhar Updating centre as the demand was projected several times before the administration. The Jammu and Kashmir Bank B/U Bunjwah also has not established the centre thereby no other private institution is having such facilities to facilitate the general society at door steps.

The process of obtaining a Ration Card through KYC is more arduous for women and the elderly. The majority of ration card holders are presently working outside their home station and return only after extended durations of several months or years.

To ensure an efficient experience, individuals should complete their EKYC personally. Several individuals face obstacles due to incomplete identity documents or difficulties in reaching offices. Barket Ali, a 45-year-old local, noted that most women applying for ration cards are from this area, pointing out the crowds outside offices. The government’s promise of doorstep delivery of services remains unfulfilled.

A question persists: when will this take place? How will these individuals, particularly working mothers who must leave their distressed children at home, receive notification? The rural population of the Chenab region requires assistance with a critical issue like rationing. The government and local administration must work to resolve the problems of these individuals quickly to ensure uninterrupted provision of necessities.

A concern is shared by all. As a result, there is no knowledge or benefit to share with them. Why are these women being penalized in this cold weather? Are there alternative arrangements for this task? A potential solution to the aforementioned problems could be organizing camps in rural areas; the government should visit each village.

(The author is a Freelance Writer and Columnist from Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, and can be reached at freelancershafqat@gmail.com 9419974577).