Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, JUL (NPN): In a major step towards improving access to Aadhaar services in Nagaland, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) on Friday inaugurated the State’s first Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK) at H Apartment, First Floor, Purana Bazar, near the Labour Office in Dimapur.
ASK was inaugurated by advisor for tribal affairs and election, H Tovihoto Ayemi, in the presence of Deputy Director General (DDG), UIDAI Regional Office, Guwahati, Ngachan Zimik; Director, UIDAI Regional Office, Guwahati, Col. Abhishek Koushik; senior government officials, representatives of civil society organisations and members of the public.
Speaking at the inauguration, Ayemi described the opening of the State’s first Aadhaar Seva Kendra as a “long-cherished dream” for Nagaland. He said the facility would greatly benefit residents by providing Aadhaar enrolment and update services within the State, eliminating the need for many people to travel to Guwahati for services that could not be accessed locally.
Highlighting the importance of Aadhaar, Ayemi noted that it has become essential for availing various government services, school admissions, scholarships, entrance examinations and other welfare schemes. He expressed concern over Nagaland’s relatively low Aadhaar enrolment and called upon citizens, particularly parents, to ensure that children undergo the mandatory biometric updates at the ages of five and fifteen.
He also appealed to UIDAI officials to ensure that services at the new centre remain efficient, transparent and citizen-friendly, especially for senior citizens, children and persons with disabilities.
Addressing the gathering, DDG Ngachan Zimik said the Dimapur Aadhaar Seva Kendra had already been providing enrolment and update services for nearly 20 days before its formal inauguration.
He described the centre as one of the most spacious and well-designed Category-C Aadhaar Seva Kendras in the country.
Zimik pointed out that while Aadhaar saturation at the national level stands at around 99 per cent, Nagaland has achieved only about 67 per cent enrolment, leaving nearly one-third of the population yet to be enrolled. He noted that Dimapur has recorded nearly 95 per cent Aadhaar saturation, while several other districts, including Kohima, continue to lag behind.
He stressed the need for achieving complete Aadhaar enrolment across the State and underscored the importance of Mandatory Biometric Updates (MBU) for children at the ages of five and fifteen. He said timely biometric updates were essential to prevent suspension of Aadhaar and to ensure uninterrupted access to services such as school admissions, entrance examinations, scholarships and direct benefit transfer (DBT) schemes.
UIDAI informed that Mandatory Biometric Updates for children were currently being provided free of cost until September 30, 2026, and urged parents and guardians to complete the process within the stipulated period.
The newly inaugurated ASK is equipped with modern infrastructure, air-conditioned facilities, wheelchair accessibility and accessible restrooms to ensure an inclusive and resident-friendly environment.
The centre has the capacity to process up to 250 Aadhaar enrolment and update requests daily. Services available include new Aadhaar enrolment, updates of name, address, date of birth, gender, mobile number, email address and biometric details, along with e-Aadhaar download and Aadhaar printing facilities.
Residents can book appointments online through the UIDAI appointment portal or visit the centre directly. The Aadhaar Seva Kendra will remain open on all seven days of the week except on public holidays.
Among those present at the inaugural programme were ADC Dimapur Dr. Diana Patton; EAC and Nodal Officer for Aadhaar, Dimapur, Imliwabang Aier; DMC Councillor of Ward-06, V Khekato Awomi; Kamal Kumar Jain and Mahesh Kotecha, social workers and entrepreneurs; and Naga Council Dimapur president GK Rengma, besides officials from UIDAI, district administration and representatives of civil society organisations.