Has Manipur Adopted Stringent Norms for Aadhaar Issuance?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Strict regulations for Aadhaar issuance in Manipur.
- Mandatory scrutiny at the state headquarters.
- Updates for biometric data are free of charge.
- Focus on preventing unauthorized access to Aadhaar.
- Concerns over illegal immigration persist amidst ethnic violence.
Imphal, July 1 (NationPress) Manipur has implemented extremely strict regulations for Aadhaar issuance to guarantee that no unauthorized foreigners can acquire the Aadhaar, an official reported on Tuesday.
Commissioner (Home) N. Ashok Kumar stated that the detailed verification and scrutiny process safeguards against unauthorized access to Aadhaar. He emphasized that Manipur has established one of the most rigorous procedures for issuing adult Aadhaar in India.
The process adheres to the guidelines set by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India), ensuring that Aadhaar applications are thoroughly vetted before approval.
This information was shared during a high-level meeting at Raj Bhawan on Tuesday, where Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla assessed the Aadhaar enrollment, updates, and associated services in the state.
Attendees included Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh, Commissioner (Home), and senior officials from the Home Department, UIDAI, and the Social Welfare and Education Departments.
Ashok Kumar highlighted that all adult Aadhaar cases must undergo mandatory scrutiny and receive approval solely at the state headquarters under the supervision of the Special Secretary Home.
A UIDAI official remarked that Manipur's adult Aadhaar procedure might be the most stringent in the nation. To uphold the security and integrity of the Aadhaar system, two essential updates have been instituted for biometric and biographic data: Mandatory Biometric Updation-1 (MBU-1) between ages 5-7, and MBU-2 after reaching age 15, both free of charge.
These measures ensure that Aadhaar cardholders' information is up-to-date and secure, effectively preventing identity misuse.
Updating biometric data enhances security and facilitates smooth access to government and financial services without authentication hurdles, according to the statement.
In light of ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur for over two years, the issue of illegal immigration remains a significant concern in the northeastern state. Three prominent Meitei-based Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) demanded the introduction of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur during their meeting with MHA officials in New Delhi on Monday to identify illegal immigrants and safeguard indigenous populations.