According to the PTI report, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has confirmed that despite continuous efforts to maintain the accuracy of the Aadhaar database, no Aadhaar numbers have been invalidated.
The authorities frequently send notifications to individuals with Aadhaar numbers to verify the precision of the database, which is essential for accessing subsidies, benefits, and services.
It began when the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s claim that the Aadhaar cards of 50 individuals in Jamalpur, Purba Bardhaman district, and numerous others in Birbhum, North and South 24 Parganas, as well as in North Bengal, appear to have been “disconnected.” In response to CM Banerjee’s allegations, UIDAI reiterated that no Aadhaar numbers have been cancelled. The authority stressed its commitment to addressing grievances and maintaining the integrity of the Aadhaar database.
On February 18th (Sunday), CM Banerjee voiced apprehensions, alleging that the BJP-led central government had deactivated Aadhaar cards in the state ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. She stated that this purported deactivation is intended to hinder people from accessing social welfare schemes.
Despite the accusations, she reassured the people of Bengal that they will not lose out on benefits, even if their Aadhaar cards are inactive. She affirmed her commitment to sustaining state-run welfare programs for citizens.
She said, “Be careful, they (BJP-led Centre) are deactivating Aadhaar cards. Several Aadhaar cards have been made inactive in many districts of Bengal. They are doing this so that people do not get benefits of schemes like ‘Lakshmi Bhandar’ through bank transfer and free ration before the polls.”
She added, “My clear instruction to the chief secretary is to ensure that people are not deprived of the benefits even if they do not have active Aadhaar cards. The people of Bengal need not be worried. I am there for you.”